Marston’s has hosted its 2024 National Pub of the Year Awards in Liverpool, celebrating the achievements of both its managed and Partnership estates for the first time.
Following 12 months of data gathering, more than 800 individual nominations and two regional and divisional heats, Marston’s expert panel of judges travelled up and down the country to create the shortlist of finalists. This produced 15 national winners for this year’s categories.
Arguably the most coveted award, GM/Partner of the year, was won by Lesley Anderson, from The Dancing Betty, Murton, described as “a shining example of what a GM/Partner can achieve at Marston’s, demonstrating year-on-year sales growth and hosting a bustling calendar of events that bring the local community together”.
Another highlight of the evening saw Karen Dawson, from Longshore, Shoreham-by-the-Sea, winning community hero of the year’. Karen’s pub plays host to a packed calendar of community-led events, from games of crib to hosting 300 bikers on the pub car park for the start of the annual Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride.
Ricky Wilding, from The Running Hare, Ewloe, was crowned head chef of the year, praised for demonstrating real pride in his craft. This is reflected in the service and culinary excellence his kitchen delivers, and the great feedback the pub consistently receives from its customers.
The Rose & Crown, Porthcawl, scooped the award for ‘great place to work’. Licensee Hannah Lewis was praised for creating a safe and welcoming environment with the utmost commitment to her team’s wellbeing, as reflected in the pub’s glowing guest feedback and reputation scores.
Neil Campbell, chief operating officer at Marston’s plc, said: “This year’s National Pub of the Year awards were a spectacular evening, full of inspirational stories of operational excellence, community engagement, and good times shared by all.
“We are immensely proud of all our teams and the dedication and hard work they put into their pubs and communities every day. A huge congratulations to each of the deserving winners, finalists and nominees for inspiring us all and keeping our guests returning time-and-time again.”
