The Wykeham Arms, in Winchester, has been named Fuller’s pub of the year, picking up the sought-after Griffin Trophy.
Fuller’s chairman, Michael Turner, presents the Griffin Trophy to the Wykeham Arms team
The competition is open to all of Fuller’s 185 managed pubs and hotels, and its 153 tenanted inns.
The Wykeham Arms, managed by Jon Howard, is an 18th century pub with 14 bedrooms, nestled between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it is a bustling hub that offers comfortable respite for those exploring the surrounding area.
With a large bar and dining areas, there’s plenty of space, and nooks and crannies. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by, and the pub has many a nod to its connections with Winchester College, including several former school desks which are now used as tables.
The pub’s menu has been crafted by head chef Luke Emmess, who won Fuller’s chef of the year competition in 2019 and the under-25s category of the same competition in 2016. For 13 years in a row, The Wykeham Arms has been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
The Wykeham Arms supports two local charities with sales of its famous Wyk Pie. For every pie sold, the pub donates 25p to the Winchester Cathedral Fund, which contributes to its ongoing restoration, and 25p to Play to the Crowd, a local arts and education charity.
“Jon and The Wykeham Arms are no strangers to the Griffin Trophy, having been finalists a few times over the years,” said Michael Turner, Fuller’s chairman.
“It is difficult to keep pushing the quality forward each year, particularly after 15 years in the same site, but Jon has done just that in every aspect of the business.
“The bedrooms at The Wykeham are immaculate with nice touches to personalise people’s stays. The menus are filled with mouthwatering dishes, and the extensive wine selection has never looked better.
“Breaking into new markets, such as weddings and receptions, as well as hosting events such as wine and food pairing evenings, means that Jon and the team are constantly appealing to new customers, inviting everyone in to experience the warmth of The Wykeham Arms. And I know that they’ll all want to return. Congratulations to Jon and the team — this is a well-deserved win for a truly exceptional pub.”
Jon said: “I’m over the moon to have won the Griffin Trophy. We’ve been in the final before and won our category more than once, but to win the overall trophy is a real honour. I can’t wait to see that shiny trophy behind the bar at The Wykeham.
“A big thank you to my whole team. This is a great reflection of their hard work and I’m looking forward to showing off the Griffin Trophy to all my customers from global tourists to the college masters.”
Competition winners
Best hotel/inn
Winner: The Wykeham Arms, Winchester
Runner-up: The Sanctuary House, Westminster
Best country/village pub
Winner: The Berkeley Arms, Chichester
Runner-up: The Ship, Langstone
Runner-up: The Ivy House, Chalfont St Giles
Best town/local pub
Winner: The Holly Bush, Hampstead
Runner-up: The Andover Arms, Hammersmith
Runner-up: The Prince’s Head, Richmond
Best city pub
Winner: The Coach & Horses, Soho
Runner-up: The George & Vulture, Hoxton
Runner-up: The Pavilion End, Watling Street
