The numbers were huge as more than 1,500 publicans, brewers and hospitality leaders filled Evolution London for the 35th annual Publican Awards – a milestone year that showcased the strength and creativity of the modern pub sector.
The number of registered guests for the awards was 1,524 at the awards, which have taken place at Evolution London for the 10th year in a row.
Diversity shines
Some 303 companies were represented at the event that took place on Wednesday 25 March, showing off the diversity across managed groups, independents, brewers and innovators.
And with 93 entries registered across 17 categories, the awards are certainly something to tick off the bucket list because being named as a finalist is no mean feat.
Each of those categories is judged rigorously by 65 judges, underscoring the credibility of The Publican Awards and thoroughness of tests that each finalist has to go through.
Camaraderie in the room
The atmosphere at the event was electric with a staggering 143 tables filled as finalists got to enjoy the evening filled with food, drinks, the ceremony and great hosts in The Morning Advertiser editor Ed Bedington, TV star Rylan Clark and genius chatterbox Mark Durden-Smith.
While pub-operating business went head to head, the camaraderie in the room was palpable with the hospitality industry being one of the most friendly and affable sectors – but there can only be one winner in each category of course.
After 35 years, The Publican Awards remains the benchmark for excellence – and if the scale of 2026 is any indicator, the sector is only getting stronger.
- To see the winners on the night, click here. To see what some of the winners had to say on the night, click here. To see the party pictures, click here. To see the social media posts made by those there on the night, click here. To see some interviews from the night, click here.
