Cotswolds pub The Frogmill — part of Brakspear’s Honeycomb Houses managed estate — has scooped the top title at the National Pub & Bar Awards.
The pub, set in extensive grounds in the village of Shipton Oliffe, near Cheltenham, dates back to the 16th century. It has a traditional bar, restaurant, boutique bedrooms and wedding/function spaces.
Brakspear acquired the site in 2016, re-opening it in 2016 after significant investment. It has since traded successfully by appealing to local residents, diners, weekenders, and wedding parties.
Despite The Frogmill’s enviable location and stylish décor, it was its operational standards and customer service that won the title. Judges praised the flawless operation, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality, which stem from the Honeycomb Houses ethos of ‘Our House, Your Home’. The team host guests in the way they would treat friends visiting their home, creating a relaxed yet attentive atmosphere.
General manager, Simon Stanbrook, said: “I’m completely overwhelmed. This award is for the team, from our housekeeping to kitchen, events and front of house teams, they all work exceptionally hard, day in, day out.
“We work together like a family and take pride in having an eye for detail and looking out for opportunities to add touches that make our guests’ experience at The Frogmill memorable rather than just good!”
Brakspear chief executive, Tom Davies, added: “Everyone at Honeycomb Houses and Brakspear is delighted to have won this award and proud of the sterling work from Simon and his team at the pub, supported by Sophie Johnson, our senior operations manager.
“It speaks volumes to their talent and dedication that they have maintained the highest standards, despite the challenges created by Covid, supply chain issues, and staff shortages.
“When we reopened The Frogmill in 2016, we said we wanted it to win awards, and it’s wonderful to see that ambition realised. It’s also good to have recognition that the Honeycomb Houses ethos, which is in place at all nine pubs, is delivering award-winning standards and service.”
On the way to collecting the top award, The Frogmill was named the best pub in Gloucestershire, as one of 94 county winners . It then won the best pub in the south west title.
