Marston's Inns and Taverns' managing director Derek Andrew said he was "overwhelmed" to receive the Special Achievement Award at the Great British Pub Food Awards 2010.
Andrew, who has been at Marston's for 30 years, said: "You don't do the job for public recognition — you do it for the love of it and it is a wonderful job to do."
He added: "To get recognised by your peers and colleagues is something quite special.
"I shall cherish this very much."
PubChef of the Year Simon Goodman of the Duke in Cumberland, Henley, West Sussex, said: "It is a great honour. It is amazing."
He added his inspiration was "trying to make people think that pub food is great".
