The finalists were selected following a rigorous judging process involving more than 800 nominations.
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This year’s entrants were assessed on criteria including business performance, community engagement, resilience, sustainability and team development.
Semi-finalists were selected based on written submissions, digital presence audits and mystery customer visits.
Semi-finalists:
- Becky Sumner – The Red Lion, Eynsham
- Darren and Shannon Harding – The Woolpack Inn, Islip
- Eamonn England and Arina Piskunova – The Windsor Castle
- Ian and Lisa Prior-Richards – Earl of Chatham
- Jacqueline Fairburn – Hare and Hounds
- James and Charlotte Foy – The White Horse
- Linda Cole – The Berkeley Arms
- Matt Crowther and Hollie Blythe – The Lost Pug
- Micky Foden-Andrews – The Swan in Clewer
- Nicholas and Wendy Harrop – The Ranken Arms
- Nigel Smith – The Fleece Inn
- Sonia Labatut – The Plough
‘Prestigious and hard-fought’
BII chief executive Steve Alton said: “Our Licensee of the Year Award is the most prestigious and hard-fought award, showcasing the excellence in our sector. Our semi-finalists are of a fantastic standard, with both returning operators and new entrants progressing this year.
“We are proud that the awards process this year, more than ever, is offering a value-added experience to all those involved with business insight and the chance to evaluate your business available at every stage.
“In addition to the mystery customer visits...with Cask Marque auditing cellars in addition to the visits from our Head Judges, Amanda and Ashley, the competition this year will provide more value to contestants than ever before.”
The announcement follows last year’s competition, which saw Michael Dove and Tommy Higgs of the Three Horseshoes in Witney crowned Licensee of the Year 2025.
The pair later highlighted the importance of strong community engagement, investing in their teams and delivering consistent guest experiences as key drivers of their success.
Head judges Amanda Hemming and Ashley McCarthy will now visit each venue, with finalists set to be announced in mid-May ahead of the final in June.
