Oliver makes mischief

as pubs lap up plaudits

Self-deprecation was clearly on the agenda at the Union Pub Company's (UPC) fourth annual Pub of the Year Awards last week.

Company boss Stephen Oliver made a cheeky reference to the solicitors' firm that missed the deadline for submitting grandfather rights applications in his pre-awards address.

He apologised for forgetting his speech - saying he gave it to John Gaunt & Partners and hasn't seen it since.

Awards host Nick Owen also got in on the act, assuring the crowds pickled eggs would not be on the menu, in reference to Oliver's comment in the Morning Advertiser that the food is considered sophisticated in Scotland.

There were no such put-downs for the high-flying UPC licensees and pub staff who attended the glittering ceremony at Alton Towers. Cary's wine bar in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, won Pub of the Year while the venue's Alyx Ross was Barperson of the Year.

The Fountain Inn at Clent, Worcestershire, won three awards - including Responsible Retailer of the Year, Training Pub of the Year and Customer Service Pub of the Year.

Reference must be made to host Richard Macey's bleached fin-like haircut, although Snifter refutes the 'mid-life crisis' claim made by one PR officer.

Richard and Sue Grandjean were given the Lifetime Achieve-ment Award. They have been at the George in Alstonefield, Derbyshire, since 1969.

Other winners were: Hawk & Buckle, Etwall, Derbyshire (Cask Ale); the Brook Meadow, Birmingham (Community); Duke of Portland, Northwich, Cheshire (Entrepreneur); the Gate Inn, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire (Family); the Wollaston Inn, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire (Food); Prince of Wales, Glossop, Derbyshire (Pub Garden/Floral Display); Miners Arms, Alfreton, Derbyshire (Newcomer); Blenheim House, Etwall, Derbyshire (Wine Retailer).