Punch treats top hosts to day of fun
Shine winners receive reward at royal palace
Punch Taverns has rewarded the cream of its pub estate in royal fashion with an evening of celebration at Hampton Court Palace.
The pub company's Shine awards, which recognise the achievements of the most exceptional licensees from its 7,560-strong leased estate, concluded in style.
The winning licensees, who had each been crowned champions of their region, were treated to a day of pampering and outdoor pursuits at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire, followed by a gourmet dinner and a celebratory evening at Hampton Court. The evening included a compere in Tudor dress, a harpist, a palace tour as well as surprise performances from award-winning string quartet String Mania and the Queen's Minden marching band in the courtyard.
The event was the final instalment of Punch's Shine awards, which were launched last September. More than 1,000 nominations were re-ceived for licensees up and down the country. Shortlisted pubs were visited by Punch's regional operations directors as well as mystery customers who assessed the pubs on a range of criteria.
The pubs that deliver the best food, drink, customer and community experiences were rewarded at 12 awards lunches around the UK — from London to Scotland.
Punch's operations director Kevin Georgel said: "At a time when the pub industry faces mounting criticism, it
is wonderful to see how
these entrepreneurs, with the right offer and support, have created hugely successful businesses."
Regional champions were: Andrew Coath of the Swan, Milton Keynes; the Moleface Pub Co at the Larwood & Voce, Nottingham; Tony Day of the Cross, Kenilworth; An-gela Creely of the Old Grapes, Manchester; David Smith and Marie Stuckey of Duke of Cornwall, Ivybridge; Angie and Phil Wyles of the Rose Inn, Wickhambreaux; Finbar O'Holian of the Claddagh Ring, London; Bill Weeks and Richard Weeks of the Otter & Fish Inn, Hurworth; Andrew Tucker of the Market Place, Cowbridge; Neil McDonnell of Bar Lounge, Chester; Paul and Marrie Woods of the Rose of Mossley, Liverpool; Wayne and Dorothy Lewins of Besom Inn, Coldstream.
