High Orchard, Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Dave Akhurst has regenerated the fortunes of this modern, suburban pub in Gloucester since taking on the site in February 2024.
Investment in colourful shrubs and hanging baskets has enhanced its kerb appeal to syphon new customers off the A-road that passes the door, and an extra sparkle to customer service has kept them coming back and boosted the High Orchard’s reputation in the local market.
The Honeystone, Hunstanton, Norfolk
A refurb in February 2024 has elevated the offering at this modern family-oriented pub in Hunstanton on the north Norfolk coast.
Manager Brett Cruickshank has innovated to maximise a summer-skewed seasonal business, including an outside food service area called The Honey Shack and the addition of breakfast to the daily dining roll call. A friendly welcome and attention to detail help drive its success.
The Old Arcade, Cardiff
The Old Arcade more than holds its own in the busy trading environment of Cardiff city centre.
The pub combines accessibly priced food, a cask-led beer offering and live sport both inside and out.
It sits in the shadow of the city’s Principality stadium, making it a must-visit destination for rugby fans on Wales home match days. Manager Mark Flaxon curates a busy events programme that includes legendary Elvis nights.
The Red Lion, Newburgh Village, Parbold, Lancashire
The Red Lion is a roadside inn in Newburgh that successfully blends a community-focused local with a premium accommodation business.
Nichola Scott is the driving force behind the pub, embellishing the legacy of her parents, who previously ran the site.
A focus on events to attract new faces and encourage repeat visits has resulted a surge in revenue. A Cabaret Lunch Club to tackle loneliness in the community is a recent highlight.
The Grapes, Belper, Derbyshire
Mark Rimmington decided to fulfil his ambition to run a pub after retiring from a long a career in the army and settled on this wet-led local in the Derbyshire market town of Belper.
With partner Viv, he set about revamping the site, with attractive individual touches to the interior décor and personal investment to transform an unloved yard into a covered space with stage, dart board, skittles alley and screens for live sport.
The Manor House of Whittington, Kinver, Stourbridge, West Midlands
Manager Chris Todd and his team are custodians of the Manor House, an historic roadside pub in the West Midlands that offers a premium upgrade on traditional British pub food, beer and wine.
The property seamlessly blends a 14th century manor house from which it takes its name, with later additions that lend it a more contemporary feel. First-rate customer service raises the customer experience above the everyday.
