Manager of the Hydrant, Alison Ross, with her operations manager, Stiofan Brady (right), receiving The Griffin trophy for Fuller’s pub of the year from Fuller’s chairman, Michael Turner
The Hydrant, at Monument, London, has won Fuller’s annual pub of the year competition, taking the Griffin trophy.
The pub, run by Alison Ross, won the top prize ahead of 400 other Fuller’s pubs for its commitment to building the pub’s reputation as one of London’s leading craft beer bars, championed by in-house beer experts and mixologists, and for unsurpassed menus, crafted by a dedicated team of chefs with ingredients from the very best local suppliers.
Following an extensive selection process, the final 13 entrants for the award were visited by the Fuller’s chairman, Michael Turner, chief executive, Simon Emeny, and corporate affairs director, Richard Fuller.
The result was announced at a ceremony held in the boardroom at the company’s Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, West London, yesterday. The Hydrant also took first prize in the best city/London pub category of the competition.
The Griffin trophy awards recognise the efforts and achievements of the company’s top managers and tenants in five categories: outstanding achievement, best city/London pub, best hotel/inn, best town/local pub and best country/village pub.
Michael Turner said: “I am delighted to be presenting the Griffin trophy to Alison and the team at the Hydrantm who imbue this pub with a great fun atmosphere.
“Following the Hydrant’s refurbishment and re-positioning in 2015, this pub has gone from strength to strength. The creativity and leadership in the team has established the pub as an exciting craft beer bar, famous for its beer and food evenings. It also has one of the most interesting breakfast menus to be found in the City of London.”
Hydrant manager, Alison Ross, said: “This is a fantastic surprise. A pub is nothing without its people, so I would like to thank all my customers who have supported the pub since its re-opening and my wonderful staff, who make the pub what it is.”
The prize for the winning pub comprises a £5,000 holiday, a staff party, an engraved plaque and the coveted Griffin trophy.
