Best Accommodation Operator winner: Grosvenor Pubs

Grosvenor Pubs Trading is shaking up the sector by injecting it with the wow factor associated with luxury and boutique hotels, while retaining the essential soul of what a great British pub is all about.

Jason has brought a wealth of experience in the international hotel industry to the Grosvenor project, best manifested at two extensively refurbished properties, Wild Thyme & Honey in Cirencester, and the Hare & Hounds in Newbury.

Flair and personality​

Both combine the flair and personality of the boutique hotel world with a top-notch pub food offer and great drinks menus.

The aim is to “surprise and delight” guests, whether it’s toiletries that are a step-up from the norm, book-holders across the bath or electric bikes and a selection of Wellington boots for people to explore the local countryside.

Driven by Jason’s wife Shara’s designs, attention to detail is paramount, whether it’s gifts of home-made honeycomb or biscuits on departure, audits of squeaky floorboards and door closure mechanisms to cut down noise in the guest rooms, or the provision of lavender pillow sprays to aid a sound night’s sleep. The team personally tested a range of beds, mattresses and linen to ensure their guests get a comfortable stay.

Food offer​

The group has head chefs with Michelin-star experience, so the food offering matches the high standards of the accommodation package, and relationships with key suppliers are nurtured through staff visits, so they can develop an affinity with the produce they’re working with and the people who make it.

Yet with all the drive to create boutique country stays, Grosvenor’s sites still retain a pub at their core, serving their local communities as well as those travelling from far and wide.