The awards celebrate the best operators in the pub and bar sector, culminating in an exceptional ceremony and epic party at Evolution London.
North-west brewery boss William Lees-Jones of JW Lees was named Business Leaders of the Year for his exceptional performance in driving the company to record results while also tirelessly campaigning on the industry’s behalf about Government taxation.
Two firms did the double this year – London operator Urban Pubs & Bars took the title of Best Food Offer and Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites) while Cornwall-based St Austell was named Best Sustainable Pub Company and Best Managed Pub Company (2 to 50 sites).
Testament to tenacity
Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars was presented with the Best Drinks Offer trophy for the third time while Hickory’s Smokehouse was awarded Best Operations Team.
Other winners included Greene King named Best Partnership Pub Company (501+ sites) while Laine Pub Company took the title of Best Partnership Pub Company (under 500 sites) for the second time.
Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, said: “These awards are testament to the tenacity and excellence that runs through the pub and bar sector.
“There’s no getting away from the fact there are plenty of challenges for people running pubs right now but our winners tonight represent the best in the sector and despite everything thrown at them, they’re not taking their eye off the ball and continuing to deliver great experiences for customers and amazing careers for their teams.”
The 2026 winners in full:
Best Community Pub Operator
Oak Taverns
Best Sustainable Pub Company
St Austell Brewery
Best Food Offer
Urban Pubs & Bars
Best Accommodation Operator
Chestnut
Best Experiential Operator
Incipio Group
Best Premium Food Offer
Ardent Pub Group
Best Brewing Pub Company
Robinsons Brewery
Best Pub Employer (up to 500 employees)
Barons Pub Company
Best Pub Employer (over 500 employees)
Butcombe Group
Best Operations Team
Hickory’s Smokehouse
Best Pub Brand/Concept
BOX from Arc Inspirations
Best Drinks Offer
Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns
Best New Site
Molly Mc’s from Windmill Taverns
Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites)
St Austell Brewery
Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites)
Urban Pubs & Bars
Best Partnership Pub Company (under 500 sites)
Laine Pub Company
Best Partnership Pub Company (501+ sites)
Greene King
Business Leader of the Year
William Lees-Jones, JW Lees