The finalists are:
Cubitt House
Cubitt House has forged a reputation as a premium food operator throughout its eight London venues, with a distinctive Mediterranean influence that sets it apart in the competitive capital market.
The group’s culinary excellence is demonstrated through an array of standout dishes, including innovative approaches to pub classics and excellent execution of staple dishes. The company has invested significantly in maintaining standards across their portfolio.
Under the food vision of Ben Tish, the group has successfully blended Mediterranean influences with traditional pub dining, creating a distinctive identity that resonates with diners seeking quality without pretension.
Its soft serve programme exemplifies the company’s innovative approach, enabling kitchens to streamline dessert offerings while delighting customers with creative toppings including tiramisu and strawberry-rose combinations.
Marketing initiatives have been equally innovative, with cookbook-led guest chef dinners under the “Cubitt House Eats With” banner creating distinctive events. The group has also developed a retail product range including their own olive oil, sauces, and seasonal items.
Looking forward, Cubitt House has ambitious plans to further enhance their food credentials through an ambitious new approach to sourcing livestock and vegetables. This sustainable quality-driven approach to expansion demonstrates their long-term commitment to culinary excellence.
With an effective combination of quality food, clear vision, and innovative execution, Cubitt House continues to thrive in a crowded marketplace, offering an experience that left judges impressed.
JKS
JKS has demonstrated remarkable evolution as a premium food operator across its expanding portfolio of distinctive London pubs, cementing their position as innovative industry leaders.
The group has made significant strides in developing bottom-up menu approaches, empowering chefs to create site-specific offerings while maintaining consistent quality. This approach has proven particularly successful through their specials programme, where chef creativity shines through seasonal and local inspirations.
Staff retention has been a key focus area, with initiatives designed to foster long-term team development and stability. This investment in people has translated to more consistent operations and enhanced guest experiences across their venues.
JKS demonstrates genuine commitment to sustainability through both menu design and operational practices. Its approach to energy usage optimisation has delivered impressive cost savings through strategic systems implementation, including heat battery technology and AI-driven monitoring systems.
The group showcases culinary innovation through creative use of ingredients and waste reduction techniques. Examples include repurposing beef trim from roasts into rich lasagne, transforming ham hock trim into Scotch eggs, and creating Wagyu hot dogs from premium off-cuts. A ban on walk-in freezers enforces a fresh-preparation ethos that enhances quality while reducing waste.
Community engagement forms a cornerstone of the operation, with each venue developing locally relevant partnerships. The Cadogan Arms addresses food poverty through Kensington and Chelsea Foundation, while the George focuses on mental health support through Shout.
With a strong foundation of sustainability practices, culinary creativity, and community engagement, JKS continues to elevate the premium pub dining experience while pursuing B Corp certification as a testament to their values-driven approach to business.
Anglian Country Inns (ACI)
Anglian Country Inns (ACI) demonstrates exceptional operational excellence across its portfolio, combining traditional pub values with innovative business practices that have earned the business industry-wide recognition.
The group’s impressive business fundamentals are evidenced by their remarkable 70% staff retention rate and 62% employee NPS score, underpinning its placement on the Best Employer list. The company’s comprehensive 12-week induction programme has been crucial to this success, as has their dual-stream staff development approach through Rising Stars and Shining Stars initiatives.
ACI’s hyperlocal sourcing strategy sets a new industry standard, with 20-30% of their supply chain coming from immediate local sources. This approach is exemplified at the White Horse in Brancaster, where oysters are sourced just metres from the pub and served with unparalleled freshness. Its on-site production includes Fran’s Smokehouse at The White Horse, producing exceptional smoked salmon that showcases their commitment to quality and provenance.
The group’s innovative approach to food waste management through its ‘Mind the Gap’ project has delivered £20,000 in cost savings. Creative solutions include repurposing leftover croissants into bread and butter pudding and transforming excess milk from coffee service into new menu items.
The chef development programme includes engaging competitions, such as a challenge to create dishes from salmon belly off-cuts, resulting in smoked salmon mousse and beignets with remoulade that subsequently appeared on menus.
ACI’s structured yet empowering approach is captured in their business DNA, focused on four Fs: Family, Fun, Friends, and Focus. This framework guides decision-making while allowing site-level creativity within clear parameters.
With ambitious expansion plans and a continued focus on quality and sustainability, ACI represents the perfect balance of operational excellence and hospitality heart that defines the premium pub sector at its best.
Chestnut
Chestnut has established itself as a formidable presence in the premium pub sector, with a clear strategic focus and distinctive approach to hospitality across its growing portfolio.
The group’s guiding expansion philosophy to “be the destination or be the best pub in the destination”, provides clear strategic direction for each venue’s positioning and offering. This approach has enabled the company to develop distinctive pub experiences tailored to local contexts while maintaining a consistent brand ethos.
Operational excellence is evident in their attention to detail, with high attention to detail demonstrating their commitment to maintaining the highest standards. This methodical approach extends to its food offering, where partnering with exceptional suppliers such as Rare Breed showcases their dedication to quality and ethical production.
The Pack Horse stands as Chestnut’s flagship venue, exemplifying the heights of its culinary ambition and operational standards. Here, the group demonstrates their potential for excellence when their vision is fully realised.
Chestnut’s community engagement is highlighted through initiatives like The Giving Tree, reflecting their commitment to giving back to the communities they serve. This ethos extends beyond charitable work to their overall approach to hospitality, creating venues that function as genuine community assets.
With a clear acquisition-focused growth strategy, Chestnut continues to expand its footprint while working to instil their quality standards across an increasingly diverse portfolio. The group’s aim to create diverse offerings demonstrates an understanding of evolving consumer preferences in the premium pub sector.
As its continues to refine their operational framework and enhance consistency across locations, Chestnut represents an ambitious vision for premium pub hospitality that balances commercial growth with quality food offerings and community integration.
