A Sheffield pub has beaten off competition from licensed outlets across Britain to scoop the industry's ultimate quality accolade - the Stella Artois Quality Award 2003.
The Three Tuns picked up the top prize in the annual competition for quality-conscious licensees run by Interbrew UK in association with the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII).
Licensee Nigel Williams was presented with the Stella Artois Quality Award Trophy and £3,000 at the British Institute of Innkeeping's recent Joint Regional Event in Cheltenham.
"I am absolutely delighted," said Nigel. "It is recognition from a major body that we are doing something in an excellent manner. We strive to maintain quality in everything we do and this Award recognises that." Nigel's company operates five pubs around the city including The Three Tuns which is in the financial and legal district of the city.
Colin Pedrick, managing director of On Trade Sales at Interbrew UK, who presented the Award, said: "The Three Tuns is a worthy winner but it was a tough decision because the overall standard of entrants was very high once again. This shows that more licensees are now recognising the crucial role of quality and are taking steps to provide a quality drinking experience which is very encouraging."
Mike Wroe, Client Development Director of the BII, was one of the judges visiting outlets. He said: "The serving of a premium brand such as Stella Artois deserves and needs well-trained professional bar staff.
"It was good to see this focus on Stella Artois quality put into practice in the pubs we visited. It is essential that the training of all bar staff receives the support it needs to meet increasing customer expectations."
The second year of the Stella Artois Quality Award attracted hundreds of entries from licensed outlets across Britain. Entrants had to pass a series of rigorous quality-related assessments including "mystery drinker" visits from judges who rated them on the quality of beer dispense and service.
The Stella Artois Quality Award was established by Interbrew UK in conjunction with the BII to recognise and reward those venues that are leading the way in setting the highest quality standards.