The business rebranded almost two years ago with the aim of becoming the market-leading operator of freehold premium pubs and pubs-with-rooms in the UK when it went live with its new look in July 2023.
The attention to detail of the group impressed judges with every minute part of the brand at the heart of what it does alongside its dedication to customer satisfaction.
Staff focus
Heartwood’s communication of its identity through similar styles across the estate pairs perfectly with how each site also has nods to its local area and the customer base it serves, helping to cement each venue in its community.
Training and development is core to what the business does, helping put its values at the heart each team member and deliver high retention levels.
These values, which are showcased through Heartwood’s brand ambassador woodland creatures, are also a part of the design of sites, embedding them further into the business.
Growth plans
Seasonal, sustainability-sourced dishes feature on the brand’s menus in line with its three star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
Since the business opened its first pub with rooms last year, it has expanded its accommodation arm further and now boasts a growing portfolio of 28 sites overall.
The group is on track to open more than 60 sites by 2027 with more than 500 rooms as part of its ambitious growth trajectory.
A previous finalist in this category, Heartwood became victorious this year.