Hook Norton crowns pub winners

The Kings Head in Napton, collected a trio of accolades at the annual 2015 Pride of Hooky Awards, run by Hook Norton Brewery for its tenanted estate.Judges named the venue Pub of the Year, a category first won by the village pub in 2013, as well as Food Champion and Beer Quality and Cellar Management winner.

“Their overall style of operation and standards and the way they work with us in an example not just to our other tenants but to any pub tenant of any brewery or pub operator in the country,” judging panel member Bruce Benyon, operations manager, Hook Norton Brewery, said.

“They’re a great shop window for our products.”

The Castle Inn in Edgehill, Banbury, arguably one of the most iconic pub buildings in the UK, also prevailed with three awards - Marketing Pub, Pub Team Member and Customer Service.

Other winners included:​

Best Newcomer: The Bell Inn, Adderbury, Banbury

Best Exterior: The Pear Tree, Hook Norton

Community Pub: Hare & Hounds, Wardington

James Clarke, a fellow judge and managing director (brewing), Hook Norton Brewery, added: “The Pride of Hooky Gold Lion Awards celebrate the best of the best in the Hook Norton estate. Each year the standard appears to get higher, and we see some fantastic things happening across the pub estate. 

"In a tough leisure market, it is only by being on top of the game that will deliver results, and I am delighted with the evermore exciting businesses I see.”