Publican awards celebrate trade's finest
The best licensees, pubs and companies have all been rewarded for their outstanding efforts at The Publican Awards.
At a glamorous ceremony at the Grosvenor House hotel in London last night (Wednesday) the industry's finest were hailed.
More than 1,200 guests from across the industry enjoyed the 20th anniversary of the event, which was hosted by comedian and TV presenter Dara O'Briain.
One of the biggest winners on the night was London brewer and pub operator Fuller's, which scooped two prestigious titles: Managed Pub Company and Regional Brewer of the Year.
The judges, formed of panels of industry experts, praised the Chiswick-based operator for achieving "great, stand-out results in what has to be one of the most competitive markets for both pubs and brewing".
Meanwhile, in another very hard-fought category Marston's came out on top in the Tenanted & Leased Pub Company of the Year category.
As well as celebrating the best companies in the business, the awards also recognise the best pubs and pub staff.
The winner of the Freehouse of the Year title was the Driftwood Spars in St Agnes, Cornwall.
Judges said: "The Driftwood Spars is everything a great pub should be; at the heart of the community in every sense, its friendly staff offer great food, drink and entertainment in a convivial and welcoming environment."
The Cask Pub & Kitchen in London's Pimlico was named as the Tenanted & Leased Pub of the Year.
Publican of the year
Meanwhile Michael Ibbotson, who has run the Durham Ox in York for more than 10 years, was rewarded for his efforts by being named Publican of the Year.
Judges were impressed with his "outstanding track record at the Durham Ox", and his "confidence in the pub trade" by launching two new venues.
The awards took place during the week that The Publican merged with the Morning Advertiser to form the Publican's Morning Advertiser.
Charles Reed, group managing director of parent company William Reed Business Media, said: "This event is quite rightly held in high regard because it celebrates the success of, and provides recognition for, the sector's top companies and outstanding licensees."
He added: "The pub trade has plenty of talent, and, of course, our finalists are the cream of that trade."
Full list of winners
Publican of the Year: Michael Ibbotson of the Durham Ox, Crayke,
North Yorkshire
Barperson of the Year: Rebecca Jones, team leader of the Terra Nova,
Cardiff Bay, South Wales
Family Pub of the Year: Swiss Cottage, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
Corporate Social Responsibility: Adnams, Southwold, Suffolk
Multiple Operator of the Year (2-19 outlets): Reniassance, London
Regional Brewer of the Year: Fullers, Chiswick, London
Freehouse of the Year: the Driftwood Spars, St Agnes, Cornwall
Tenanted and Leased Pub of the Year: Cask Pub and Kitchen, London
Tenanted and Leased Pub Company of the Year: Marston's
Music Pub of the Year: Golden Fleece, Chelmsford, Essex
Community Pub of the Year: The Grays Inn, Aberdeen
Pub Design of the Year: Horatio Todd's, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Customer Service Pub of the Year: The Station Hotel, Ashton-under-
Lyne, Greater Manchester
Food Pub of the Year: Shibden Mill Inn, Shibden, West Yorkshire
Accommodation Pub of the Year: The Wiremill, Felbridge, Surrey
Managed Pub Company of the Year: Fullers
Newcomer of the Year: Steve Smith, Freemasons, Wiswell, Lancashire
