Now in its 34th year, the biggest awards in the industry, organised by The MA, will return to Battersea Evolution in London on Wednesday 25 March 2026. TV & radio star Rylan will be announcing this year’s winners.
Since its inception in 1992, the awards have celebrated the best in the business, from food and drink to brewing, accommodation and sustainability, and this year is no different, with firms from all corners of the sector shortlisted across 17 categories.
Despite marking one of the toughest years on record for the sector, pub companies across the UK continued to excel in 2021.
As the nation battled the pandemic and various lockdowns, companies across the sector were recognised for continuing to fly the flag in the face of uncertainty.
Restrictions and lockdowns couldn’t stop the Publican Awards though, which took place virtually, hosted by comedian Ed Gamble.
Winners included Hippo Inns in the Best Food Offer category and the Meynell Ingram Arms, from Berkeley Inns in the Best New Site category.
It was a strong year for Greene King, which was crowned both Community Pub Operator of the Year and Tenanted and Leased Pub Company of the Year.
In addition, CEO Nick Mackenzie scooped the title of Business Leader of the Year for being instrumental in steering the business through Covid.
Amazing teams
On his win, Mackenzie said at the time: “I never expect these things, of course I’m pleased but a massive shout out to my team.
“Every single one of our employees were great and hopefully they will see the benefit of this award too.”
Other winners included Liberation Group, now Butcombe Group, and Brewhouse & Kitchen, while BrewDog were named the Best Sustainable Pub Company.
“Walking away with three awards that we work so passionately hard for on a daily basis is phenomenal.”
Butcombe Group COO Jayson Perfect
North Brewing Co., which was acquired by Keystone in February last year, was once again named Best Brewing Pub Company, after securing the title in 2018.
Asahi also donated £10 for every attendee of the awards to Only A Pavement Away, raising a total of £6,250.
Speaking at the time, The MA editor Ed Bedington said: “Many companies, having faced the challenges and disasters of 2020 could be forgiven for pulling down the shutters and sitting the crisis out.
“Our finalists, and many others in the sector, did the exact opposite of that, rose to the challenge and did some amazing things.”
Returning to Battersea Evolution on Wednesday 30 March, the 2022 Publican Awards were hosted by former Top Gear front man and Phoenix Nights star Paddy McGuinness, with guests enjoying humour, music and plenty of food and drink in person once again.
Liberation scored a trio of accolades in 2022, taking home the titles of Best Accommodation Operator, Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites) and Best Premium Food Offer.
Speaking at the time, former Liberation managing director and current Butcombe COO Jayson Perfect said: “The team has worked extremely hard over the past couple of years.
“Walking away with three awards that we work so passionately hard for on a daily basis is phenomenal.”
Other 2022 winners included Peach Pubs, Rekom UK, Craft Union Pub Company, Arc Inspirations, Punch Pubs, Albion & East and Hall & Woodhouse.
UKHospitality (UKH) chief executive Kate Nicholls was also recognised at the event with the Outstanding Industry Contribution award.
Incredible businesses
In 2023, comedian Dara O’Brien delighted attendees as host on Wednesday 29 March.
The event was attended by more than 1,400 people and saw four companies take home multiple awards.
BrewDog won two accolades, Best Pub Brand/Concept and Best New Site while Nightcap was crowned the Best Late-Night Operator, with the businesses CEO, Sarah Willingham, also named Business Leader of the year.
Greene King scored a double win in 2023, taking home the titles of Best Pub Employer (501+ employees) and Best Tenanted/Leased Pub Company (501+ sites).
“It’s amazing to see the incredible businesses shortlisted”
The MA editor Ed Beddington
The following year, Heartwood Inns took home two gongs; Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites) and Best Pub Operations Team.
Meanwhile, 2024 also saw Lounders chair and co-founder Alex Reilley crowned Business Leader of the Year while Liberation scooped the Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites) award.
For the third year in a row, Barons Pub Company was recognised for its dedication to its teams and was named Best Pub Employer (up to 500 employees).
Other 2024 winners included St Austell Brewery, Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars, Brucan Pubs, Everards Brewery, Punch Pubs, Shepherd Neame and Greene King.
Hosted by top presenter Claudia Winkleman, last year’s awards took place on Wednesday 26 March.
Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars took home the Best Drinks Offer award for a third time, having previously seen success in the category in 2016 and 2024.
Sector’s biggest party
Laine Pub Company was also named Best Late Night Operator and Best Partnership Pub Company.
The 2024 Best New Site award went to Arc Inspirations’ site BOX in Nottingham while Craft Union Pub Company took the title of Best Community Pub Operator.
Mitchells & Butlers was honoured with the Best Sustainable Pub Company award.
Admiral Taverns’ boss Chris Jowsey was also recognised at last year’s event, being awarded Business Leader of the Year, which was voted for by operators across the sector.
Other winners last year included St Austell Brewery, Hickory’s Smokehouse, Hall & Woodhouse and Heartwood Collection.
Ahead of this year’s ceremony, Bedington added: “It’s amazing to see the incredible businesses shortlisted across the categories.
“We can’t wait to celebrate and honour the best of the industry with you all at the sector’s biggest party this March.” See the full list of this year’s finalists here.
