Entries were up by 22% on last year, and the judges are looking for “someone who raises their game, demonstrating the utmost professionalism to outshine the rest”.
The next round will see two independent judges visit each of the semi-finalists in their outlets.
In April, finalists will be invited to a judging day in London, where a panel of judges will challenge them on every aspect of their role as a licensee.
All finalists will be invited to attend the BII’s Annual Lunch at London’s Grosvenor House hotel on Tuesday 8 May 2012, where the winner will be announced.
Last year Darran Lingley of the Five Bells in Colne Engaine, Colchester, Essex, took the accolade.
The semi-finalists are:
Mahdis Neghabian, the Camden Eye, Camden, London
Victoria Steadman, the Whitmore Arms, Orsett, Essex
Nick Stafford, Hare & Hounds, Claygate, Surrey
Jason Read, the Plough Inn, Wrington, Somerset
Barbara & Edward May, Steam @ Great Western, Newquay
Chris Ludlow, the Springhill, Wolverhampton
Tim Foster, the Wiremill, Surrey
Mark & Hayley Foster, Hare & Hounds, Wiltshire
Neil Ainsworth, the Argyll, Henley on Thames
Chris Maskery, the Fighting Cocks, Horton Kirby
Kath Ennis-Burton, the Priory, Tynemouth
Tim & Liz Hore, Victoria Inn, Salcombe
Chris Kemp, the Cricketers, Hook
Jeanette Feneron, Banningham Crown, Banningham
David & Christine Langley-Evans, Thomas Arms Hotel, Carmarthenshire
John Wyke, the Old Horns Inn, High Bradfield, Sheffield
Nichola Green, the Rose & Crown, Wimbledon Village, London
Denise Redding, the Queens Head, Leighton Buzzard
Andrew Waller & Colin Stonehouse, Station Inn, Whitby, Yorkshire
John Baker, the Ropemakers, Bridport
Jonny Bramwell, the White Horse, Reading
