Pub rewarded for its outdoor space
The Royal Oak in Worcestershire was named the pub in the Union Pub Company estate which is making the best use of its outdoor space at the pubco's awards last week.
The pub, run by licensees Martin Roberts and James Tomson in Leigh Sinton near Malvern, was rewarded after constantly improving its outdoor area, which includes a covered and heated space with 24 covers.
Sponsored by The Publican, the award was presented by deputy editor Daniel Pearce and Union Pub Company (UPC) managing director Stephen Oliver to Martin and James.
Martin said: "It was a super evening - we didn't expect to win but you are forever hopeful!
"The changes that we've made have helped our business, and now they've helped us get ready for the smoking ban."
The Royal Oak pipped the Coach and Horses in Horsley, Derbyshire and the Wheatsheaf in Cropwell Bishop, Nottingham to the prize.
UPC's Pub of the Year was named as the Junction in Sutton-in-Ashfield, near Nottingham, while other prizes included the Cask Ale Pub of the Year, named as the True Briton in Wednesfield, and the Community Pub of the Year, which went to the Bluebell in Bolsover in Derbyshire.
UPC managing director Stephen Oliver commented: "The awards have grown with the estate, and we are delighted to be able to reward so many exemplary operators. These pubs are not only examples of excellence in every aspect, but they also offer a distinctive and unique experience to their customers."
