More than 1,500 guests rocked up to London evolution on the south side of the River Thames for the exciting spectacle - with food and drinks galore plus a host of great activations.
On entry to the awards night, Only A Pavement Away CEO Greg Mangham said: “It’s a gathering of all the players that make this one of the best industries there is.
“You’re able to see people you may not have seen for a year and share all the benefits of the industry and see what’s it’s all about.
“We should film tonight. Send it in to the Government and say this is why it is so important you support this industry.”
Equally buzzing was Georgina Young, brewing director at St Austell Brewery who said her and colleagues were excited to be a finalist in three categories.
We really need this
She added: “I’m looking forward to scooping some awards hopefully... and to see so many colleagues from the industry.
“These awards are hugely important to us as a company and the whole industry. We really need this. Keep it up.”
Effervescent Heath Ball, who operates Frisco Pubs, which includes a former overall winner of the Great British Pub of the Year award in the Red Lion & Sun in north London, joked he was looking forward to the drinks, and watching everyone win awards and having a good time.
He added: “It’s like the Oscars and good to shout about it - I’m happy.”
Almond Family Pubs director Vicki Williams told The Morning Advertiser she was “super excited for the awards and excited to be a finalist for Best ops Team”.
Williams added: “We all deserve a good night out, we work hard and we should celebrate success publicly.”
Pinnacle of the on-trade
Damm UK manging director Luke White said: “This is the event of the year. For me, these awards are the pinnacle of the on-trade.”
Meanwhile, Tiny Rebel CEO and co-founder Brad Cummings declared he was “super excited” as well.
He said: “[It’s a] great venue, great people and we get to see everyone in the industry that we probably dont get to see enough.
“For Tiny rebel.,, this is massive. We are mega excited. Even if we don’t win it’s not about that. It’s about being present and seeing what else is going on the industry – all the good stuff people are doing – that’s the key thing."
- To see the who did win on the night, click here for a full run down and to see what a few others told the 1,500-plus-strong crowd after winning.
