Fuller’s names the Hydrant as Pub of the Year 2016

The pub, run by Alison Ross, saw off competition from 400 other Fuller’s pubs and was awarded the title for its commitment to craft beer and locally sourced food.

Fuller’s chairman Michael Turner said: “I am delighted to be presenting the Griffin trophy to Alison and the team at the Hydrant who imbue this pub with a great fun atmosphere.

“Following the Hydrant’s refurbishment and repositioning in 2015, this pub has gone from strength to strength.”

Award ceremony

The winner was announced at a ceremony at the company’s Griffin Brewery in Chiswick on 9 November.

The prize was a £5,000 holiday, a party for staff members, an engraved plaque and the Griffin trophy.

Turner added: “The creativity and leadership in the team has established the pub as an exciting craft beer bar, famous for its beer and food evenings."

Interesting breakfast menu

“It also has one of the most interesting breakfast menus to be found in the City of London.”

Dishes on offer at the Hydrant include spiced brisket with tomatoes, kidney beans, labneh, coriander and grilled ciabatta; Cornish orchard cured trout with croutons, fennel and herb and pickled apple salad; and Harissa lamb with aubergine, feta, mint, pomegranate and roasted garlic dressing.

Ross said: “This is a fantastic surprise. A pub is nothing without its people so I would like to thank all my customers who have supported the pub since its reopening and my wonderful staff, who make the pub what it is.”

Earlier this year, the pub group announced it had bought popular Docklands gastropub the Gun​ from fellow London operators ETM Group.

In June, it launched a new marketing campaign, Fuller’s Kitchen, to specifically promote the company’s food offer​.

Fuller's chief executive Simon Emeny said at the time the plan was “to make Fuller’s as famous for its food as it is for its beer”.