Winners of Star Awards named
Star Pubs & Bars (formerly Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company) has announced the winners of its first ever Star Awards this week.
The event, created to award the company's top operators, was its biggest event.
More than 50 finalists attended the gala event in Manchester which included an afternoon of activities as well as an awards dinner and ceremony hosted by Soccer Saturday's Jeff Stelling.
The ceremony was the culmination of months of judging to select winners in nine categories ranging from Best Family Pub to Best Cask Ale pub from the company's 1,343 strong estate. A newcomer of the year and three long service awards were also presented.
Led by Andrew Pring, editor of the British Institute of Innkeeping's magazine, BII Business, a panel of judges including experts from the sponsor companies and Star Pubs & Bars reviewed a short list to pick the final winners.
The winners will be taken on a short break to Lisbon hosted by Star Pubs & Bars management team in the New Year.
Says Star Pubs & Bars Trading Director, Chris Moore, "We pride ourselves on the quality of the pubs in our estate but they wouldn't have the highest average sales turnovers of any national leased pub estate in the UK if it wasn't for the dedication and skills of their lessees. All the Star Awards finalists are at the forefront of the industry, setting standards for others to follow. The commitment and expertise of these operators shows that there is a bright future for the great British pub."
The awards were supported by Heineken. Lawson Mountstevens, UK sales managing director, on trade, Heineken, said: "Heineken is a passionate supporter of the great British pub. For us the gold standard of consumer experiences is a great pint in a great pub or bar. It has been exciting and inspiring to see so many operators in our estate, not only meeting but exceeding our expectations of what makes an outstanding pub."
STAR PUBS & BARS STAR AWARD WINNERS 2012
Best Pint Award
Paul Gibbs, the Seven Stars, Ponteland
Best Family Award Michael and Isla Baines, Eagle & Child, Weeton
Best Cask Ale Award Gail Heyes, the Guest House, Southport
Best Community Award
Tim and Nick Cockburn, the Adam & Eve, London
Best Food Award
The Almond Family, Hesketh Tavern, Cheadle
Best Marketed Award
Martyn and Lynda Cripps, Longboat Inn, Penzance
Best Outdoor Area Award
Martin Condliffe and Neil Roughshedge, the Farmer's Arms in Warrington
Best Distilled Spirit Award
Sponsor: Diageo
Best Sports Award Rob and AlisonThompson, the Hart, Knaresborough
Best Newcomer Award Calvin Dow, the Castle Inn, Skipton
Long Service Awards Pat Ross, Railway Tavern, Motherwell
Mike Brown, The Angler's, Saxilby
Mike and Joan Fetton, Ye Olde Black Bull, Stratford
Special Recognition Award Mahdis Neghabian of the Camden Eye in London
By Neil Gerrard
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