Shepherd Neame has announced the winners of its annual pub awards, with 12 of its 322 pubs and hotels across London and the South East taking home prizes.
The overall Pub of the Year award went to the Crown & Cushion in Blackwater, Surrey, while the Old Neptune in Whitstable was named the Tenanted Pub of the Year and Mabel’s Tavern in London’s Kings Cross was named the Best Managed Business.
Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame (pictured center presenting an award to Clive Price, second from right, and his team) said, “This has been a year of record investment in our pub estate, as we aim to attract our customers through great design, to excite them with a superb offer and to retain them by providing a memorable experience.
'These awards are aimed at recognising the hard work, dedication, and creativity of our licensees, managers and staff, and celebrating excellence in our industry.'
The award for the Best Pub Food went to The Granville in Canterbury, the Adelaide in Teddington won the Beer Hero award for the excellence of its cask ales, while the Crown & Sceptre in Dover was honoured for being at the Heart of the Community.
The awards were announced during a ceremony at the Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford on June 19.
Clive Price, who runs the Crown & Cushion, named Pub of the Year, said, “It has been an exciting year as we undertook a major transformation and expansion of the pub, which included doubling the number of covers available. We have been delighted by the positive reaction to the pub’s new look, and this award is well-deserved recognition for our team who work incredibly hard to ensure our customers enjoy a great experience.”
Full list of winners:
BEER HERO: Adelaide, Teddington
BEST FLORAL DISPLAY: Britannia, Guildford
HEART OF THE COMMUNITY: Crown & Sceptre, Dover
PUB FOOD: Granville, Canterbury
PUB RESTAURANT: The Farm House, West Malling
TURNAROUND PUB: Royal Oak, New Ash Green
NEW LICENSEE: Dave McLelland of The George Inn, Walton on Thames
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Lauren Weight of Pier Five, Chatham
TENANTED PUB OF THE YEAR: Old Neptune, Whitstable
MANAGED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Mabel’s Tavern, London
50 YEARS OF SERVICE: Trade Quality Services Advisor Bryan Mulhern
60 YEARS OF SERVICE: Sarah Pemble, licensee at the Pepper Box Inn, Ulcombe
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Gordon Cooper and Jenny Dale, retiring licensees at the Coach & Horses, Whitstable
SHEPHERD NEAME PUB OF THE YEAR: Crown & Cushion, Blackwater
The winners of the Shepherd Neame pub awards 2018
