Lisa Westwood, manager of the Golden Griffin, in Windsor Drive, Hertford, has been named as McMullen Brewery's Pub Manager of the Year. Managing director Peter Furness-Smith told the McMullen managers' conference at New-market that Westwood, as well as increasing trade, had been brilliant at motivating and developing her team at the pub. He said: "Her involvement in the local community and charities are commendable." The award also included a £1,000 prize. Andrea Pope who works at the Plough, the Hertfordshire brewer's pub at Flamstead End, Herts was named Bar Person of the Year and won a £2,000 holiday prize. The final shortlist of 10 entries in the competition was chosen after each pub was the subject of a mystery visit. Runner-up for the Bar Person of the Year title was Leo Scarborough, of the White Horse, Bourne End, Herts, who won a £1,500 holiday voucher, and in third place with a £1,000 holiday was Sarah Fitchford, of the Millstream, Hitchin, Herts. The other seven award finalists were: Robert Andrews (Coopers Arms, Hitchin, Herts), Sally Little (Crown, Waltham Abbey, Essex), Kelly Frankland (Hollybush, Loughton, Essex), Alex Hardy (Robin Hood, Botany Bay, Enfield, north London), Bernie Walsh (Golden Griffin, Hertford), Sally Barnes (Crusader, Roydon, Essex) and Helen Greenwood (Cock Inn, Harlow, Essex).
