GBPA 2022
Meet the winner: Star Pubs & Bars Pub of the Year – the Red Lion, Shepperton, Surrey
Punters to the popular Surrey-based pub can rent an electric powered motor-boat and cruise the river before popping back to the venue for a drink and a bite to eat.
The decision to introduce the boats to the pubs offer is just one of many ways the duo behind the site, Steve Orme and James Thomson, have sought to maximise all opportunities for trade in the business.
Site optimisation
Every inch of this site has been optimised to develop its potential, from the stunning covered courtyard area, with bespoke, bookable, sheds. The pair have even managed to create a side line selling the sheepskins they brought in as blankets during covid.
A strong emphasis on creating a fantastic customer experience in this site is key, even to the smallest detail, as demonstrated by Steve’s passion for creating the ultimate lime and soda using the best glass and fresh limes.
On top of all of this, a strong focus on remaining connected and at the heart of the community keeps this pub grounded.
Community hero initiative
As well as providing facilities for local groups and working on great schemes with the local school, the pub also runs a community hero initiative which gives customers the chance to nominate someone special in the area, who will then be treated to a slap-up experience at the site for them and guests.
A move that has proved hugely popular with some great people being recognised.
This is a pub that blends real innovation with traditional pub expectations to great effect and is a deserved winner of the Star Pubs and Bars category.
Meet all the 2022 GBPA winners:
The Dartford Sports Bar, Dartford Essex – Admiral Pub of the Year
Strait and Narrow, Lincoln, Lincolnshire – Best City / Urban Pub or Bar
The Three Hills, Bartlow, Cambridgeshire - Best Country / Rural Pub
The Bellflower, Garstang, Lancashire – Best Pub for Dogs
The Saddle Inn, Chester, Cheshire – Best Pub for Entertainment
Ye Olde Bridge Inn, Oxton, Nottinghamshire – Best Pub for Families
The Shibden Mill, Halifax, West Yorkshire – Best Pub for Food
Tamworth Tap, Tamworth, Staffordshire – Best Pub Garden
The Famous Three Kings, Fulham, London – Best Pub to Watch Sport
The Riverside at Aymestrey, Herefordshire – Best Sustainable Pub
The Lion in Treorchy, Wales – Community Hero
The Greene Oak, Windsor, Berkshire – Greene King Pub of the Year
The Gun Inn, Findon, West Sussex – Marston’s Pub of the Year
The Red Lion, Guildford, Surrey – Punch Pub of the Year
The Red Lion, Shepperton, Surrey – Star Pub of the Year
The Old Windmill, Coventry, West Midlands – Stonegate Pub of the Year
Natalie Coleman, the Oyster Shed, City of London – Best Pub Chef
Tiffany Long, the White Hart Freehouse, Ashill, Norfolk – Best Young Pub Chef
The Gun Inn, Findon, West Sussex – Great British Pub of the Year
