Meet the Publican Awards nominees: Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites), sponsored by Molson Coors

Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars​

Seven-strong managed house operator, Cheshire Cat, will be looking to follow up success in the Best Drinks Offer category at the 2016 Publican Awards with success at 2017's awards. "Winning is a bug," Tim Bird told The Morning Advertiser ​after that success and opening a new site not long after the 2016 awards, the company will hope the winning bug hasn't worn off.

Hydes Brewery​

Hydes' estate of managed pubs was shortlisted last year at the Publican Awards in the Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites) category. The company has a history of awards success, with several of the north-west-based operator's pubs having had success at The Morning Advertiser​'s Great British Pub Awards in the past.

New World Trading Company​

New World Trading Company celebrated victory in two categories at the 2016 Publican Awards - including this very category. At the time, The Morning Advertiser​ editor, Ed Bedington, said: "This is a company that is really setting the pace for others to follow. With strong and exciting expansion planned, and some great concepts, it's no surprise that New World Trading Company took two awards." 

Red Mist Leisure​

Seven-site operator, Red Mist, puts an emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal food and well-preserved drinks. The result is an enviable selection of managed houses that stretch through the Surrey and Hampshire countryside.

St Austell Brewery​

Cornish operator St Austell is no stranger to success. The brewer has won Best Regional Brewer at the last four Publicans' Choice Awards and will hope that the managed wing of the company will be just as successful at the Publican Awards.