Butcombe Group took home the title at the 2026 Publican Awards, held at Evolution in Battersea, London, on Wednesday 25 March, beating off stiff competition from East Anglian pubco Chestnut Group and Scottish operator Signature Group.
Founded in 1978 by Simon Whitmore in Bristol, the business has grown into a well-established Channel Island-based pub operator and brewer with CEO Jonathan Lawson and COO Jayson Perfect at the helm.
Ongoing investment
Butcombe was commended for its continued investment in its people and the strengthening of its leadership structure, including the appointment of Cat Moseley into the newly created role of chief experience officer.
The group employs 1,000 part-time and 738 full-time team members across 121 sites, offering clear development pathways and impressive examples of long service.
Training and development sit at the heart of its people strategy. Our Way, Butcombe’s teaching framework, guides both front and back of house teams through a blended model that includes e-learning, on‑the‑job coaching, supplier-led product training, pre‑shift briefings and gamified content.
Succession planning
Employee wellbeing also played a key role in Butcombe’s win, with the company’s benefits package built around four pillars; financial, emotional, physical and mental health, shaped by employee insights gathered through focus groups and regular surveys.
Despite being in a fast-paced industry, the group is focused on work-life-balance and helping teams maintain flexible working patterns when needed.
Head office teams were also praised for maintaining consistent and open communication across the business and for acting quickly where feedback highlighted areas for improvement.
Judges further highlighted the company’s strong approach to succession planning and talent development, noting its commitment not only to promoting from within but also to support colleagues who want to explore new skills or personal ‘passion projects’ alongside their roles, helping shape the hospitality teams of the future.
