Competition winner Angus McKean with judges Ashley Cherrett (left), trade quality team leader at Asahi, and Monica Lishman, last year’s winner

Angus McKean and Claire Morgan, from The Red Lion in Barnes, London, have won Fuller’s Master Cellarman of the year competition.

The pair impressed judges with the care they put into their cellar, and their passion for always serving the perfect pint. There were six other pubs in the finals: the Berkley Arms in Bosham, the Crystal Palace in Bath, the Jugged Hare in Victoria, the Merchant in Canary Wharf, the Old Customs House in Portsmouth, and the Stag in Leighton Buzzard.

Angus said: “We put a lot of time into staff training and cellar quality, and the award shows that paying attention to all the finer details comes together to form a bigger picture. Winning the award is recognition of all the hard work the team has put in.

“I think it’s important to note, if you are able to commit and have an eye for detail on what is a relatively simple process — beer and drink dispense — other parts of the business will also benefit from this mindset.”

Meanwhile, the Jugged Hare, Victoria, has won Fuller’s Russell Page Award. This recognises outlets that maintain an outstanding level of quality of Fuller’s beer products, and have exemplary customer service, and comprehensive knowledge of the brands.

Grazina Tenyte, manager of the Jugged Hare, said: “It’s so nice to receive this award — I believe my team is the key to success. For us, being nominated gave us even more motivation to do better, and we will continue to improve each day.”