Publican Awards

Publican Awards winner's story - St Austell - Best new site

By Helen Gilbert

- Last updated on GMT

The winning team with awards host, Michael McIntyre
The winning team with awards host, Michael McIntyre

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The Samuel Jones Ale & Smokehouse, a stunning waterside development in a Victorian warehouse in Exeter, was a new concept for St Austell Brewery so they were naturally excited to see how well it would be received when it opened last year. The answer was 'very'.

The carefully restored disused building not only impressed punters, but Publican Awards judges also. The vibrant dining and drinking venue fought off competition from Robinsons Brewery's Airport and New World Trading Company's Newcastle Botanist to be crowned 2016 Best New Bar/Pub Site title, one of the most prestigious in the awards catalogue.

"We were very honoured and delighted to have won this award especially when faced with such strong competition," says Ashley Rudd, retail operations manager. "A lot of work and effort went into the Samuel Jones and it is so pleasing that this has been recognised by the judges. It was a great accolade to win. Our staff were thrilled that we brought home the top title and we celebrated with a big staff party."

Since triumphing, the pub has been "shouting" about it at "every opportunity", from local PR to print and digital advertising. "We are proud to have won and want others to know about it," Rudd declares.

"From exterior signage to the award badge on pub menus, we tried to maximise the win by amplifying it across the pub's site. Winning an award like this has given the Samuel Jones a big stamp of approval both in the industry and in front of customers. It has certainly helped to promote the Samuel Jones as an employer of choice in Exeter as well."

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