GBPA 2022: What the winners had to say

From more than a dozen categories, pubs from across the country were recognised for the contributions they play to society.

The Gun Inn, Findon, in West Sussex was crowned the Great British Pub of the Year, after taking the title of Marston’s Pub of the Year.

When asked how it felt to be crowned champion of champions, licensee Sally Harris said: "A little bit sick. It's amazing. This is not the face of someone who expected to win."

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser​, which runs the awards, highlighted what impressed the judges about the Gun Inn, leading it to be named the best pub in the country.

Quirky ideas

He said: “Sally’s approach to creating a modern, lively and imaginative community pub has really set herself apart and it’s fantastic to see some fresh and quirky ideas coming into the trade. This competition is especially tough with superb operators from across the UK fighting it out for the top spot. Sally has done a brilliant job in a relatively short time, and she and her team should be delighted with the success.

“These awards recognise the best in the trade and give the owners and their teams the chance to celebrate despite the uncertain times we currently face.

“Pubs really are such an important part of our modern society, communities and heritage and it is wonderful to see the continued innovation, success and diversity that we have in the trade. Long may that continue.”

Winner of the Punch Pub of the Year was the Red Lion in Shamley Green, Surrey. Operator Shaun Young revealed the secrets to the pub’s success was to “make every day exciting”.

The Lion at Treorchy, Wales took home the title of Community Hero, where judges praised its ability to adapt throughout the day.

Recognition appreciated

Licensee Adrian Emmett said: “I couldn’t do this without the community. I’m just the guy with the keys so I would like to thank my team.”

The Famous Three Kings in Fulham, west London was named Best Pub for Sport for the fifth time.

Operator Paul Eastwood added: “We work towards this every year. Everything we do is to plan to try and win these awards so it means the same for the fifth one as it did the first two, thank you very much.”

The Best Sustainable Pub award was presented to the Riverside at Aymestry. Operators Andy Link and George Parkes run the Herefordshire pub and on their win, they said: “[Sustainability] is core to everything we do and it’s important to get recognition so we really appreciate it.”