Laurel honours its top pubs

The Skyrack in Leeds, which makes £1m a year in profit, and Casa in Solihull have been named as Laurel Champion Pubs of the Year in a glittering ceremony at London's Landmark Hotel hosted by Jonathon Ross. Carmel Daly-Fletcher, manager of the Skyrack and Ruth Campbell, who operates Casa, collected the top prizes ­ a week's luxury holiday in South Africa ­ at Laurel's award ceremony last Monday. Laurel chief executive Ian Payne praised the efforts of his champion house managers. "They really are outstanding performers," he said. "Carmel and her team continue to lead the way as our most profitable pub. Ruth has done a terrific job at Casa ­ this is her first single management role and she has already doubled the takings." Other winners are: sales and marketing ­ Freshfield Hotel, Greg Byrne and Julie Evans; sports pub ­ the Coronation Hotel, Mike & Helen Gau-der; social responsibility ­ the Testwood Hotel, Bill and Georgie Peters; food man-ager ­ the Shuttle & Loom, Val and Ray Harker; newcomer ­ Hog's Head, Ealing, Rachel Ainsworth; retail excellence ­ the Pumphouse, Frank and Jill Donnelly; pub team customer service ­ Hog's Head, Deansgate; team member ­ Tracey Hamilton, Hanrahans, Salford Quays; top supplier ­ Interbrew.