Hampshire pub awarded Fuller's Griffin Trophy
Beating 12 other finalists, the Mayfly was awarded the Griffin Trophy, winning a £5,000 holiday voucher and a staff party for the whole team to celebrate alongside the coveted title.
Each finalist was visited by a judging panel consisting of Fuller’s chairman Michael Turner; chief executive Simon Emeny; and people & talent director Dawn Browne, who selected winners for each category and the overall Griffin Trophy winner.
Turner said: “This is a well-deserved triumph. [The] team are truly an asset to Fuller’s, the customer service we received was impeccable, friendly, welcoming, and attentive.
Great service
“It was a delight to watch the team as they provided such great service to all the customers.”
After a number of years in Fuller’s tenanted division, the Mayfly moved to its managed estate in 2017 with an extensive refurbishment in 2020.
Contributing to the pub’s win, was general manager Darren Felvus, who has been at the Mayfly since 2018 and, according to Fuller’s, had built a team of friendly and attentive front of house team members as well as a passionate team of chefs, in particular head chef, Michal Kulakowski.
Turner added: “While the Mayfly’s outdoor space is stunning, set by a weir on the River Test, this is a pub that can be enjoyed in all seasons.
Really proud
“The extensive refurbishment in 2020 created a modern but warm indoor setting with two fireplaces and plenty of tables overlooking the river and surrounding wildlife. There is no doubt, The Mayfly offers plenty of country charm.”
In addition to the Griffin Trophy, the annual awards, which are open to all Fuller’s 208 managed pubs and hotels as well as its 178 tenanted inns, include four other categories, best city pub; best town/local pub; best country/village pub; and best hotel/inn.
Felvus said: “I am over the moon to have won this year’s Griffin Trophy. Last year, we were the category winner and my team and I were determined to do even better this year.
“I’m really proud of the team, they are all hard workers so it’s great to see this pay off. They are all going to be really excited about this award. I’ll have to find the best spot in the pub to proudly display the Griffin Trophy for the next 12 months.”
