The people's awards
From the team which literally helped bail out a flooded pub, to 73-year-old Joanie Clement and her 30-year-dedication to one South London local, countless stories of the great people of the pub trade have come forward this year.
When The Publican and Fairy Expert launched Proud of Your People - our national hunt to find the people that make pubs so great - at the beginning of the year, we didn't know what we'd find.
But some fantastic stories have been unearthed, with nine monthly winners featured in the Publican and now one overall champion named at a winners' lunch at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London.
And it was the team at the Robin Hood in Sutton, Surrey which picked up the ultimate prize - bagging a deep clean worth £1,500 from Fairy Expert as a result - in recognition of their dedication to both the pub, and their local community.
Speaking at the lunch, licensee Michelle Green said it was "fabulous" to pick up the award.
"We were so surprised to win because the competition was so strong. I'm very very proud of my boys and of the pub, and we're so grateful to The Publican for recognising their work," she said.
"My boys just give so willingly. Now that times are difficult, they are really there for us and have even volunteered to do extra work and said 'don't worry about paying us.' We all look after each other here, it's not like bosses and staff - we're all very fond of each other."
Teams and licensees from most of the pubs recognised over the year came forward to enjoy the lunch, which was co-hosted by James Arnold, UK business leader (sales & marketing) for Fairy Expert makers P&G Professional.
Arnold highlighted the "good work and tremendous team spirit that is prevalent throughout the pub industry".
"Everyone at P&G Professional is incredibly impressed with each of our winning teams and how much they do for the pub industry and more importantly their communities," he added.
"We are proud and honoured to have been associated with the 2008 campaign."
* Proud of Your People will return. If you are Proud of Your People - or if you would like to support next year's awards - contact The Publican on 020 7955 3710 or email danielp@thepublican.com
All our monthly winners
FEBRUARY
The Feathers, Hedley-on-the-Hill, Northumberland
The staff at the Feathers were the first winners of the Proud of Your People Award and they certainly set a high standard. Helen and Rhian Greer inherited the team when they took over the pub and immediately asked them to take on more of a role at the front of house and to inject some of their own personalities into the business. The staff quickly got to grips with new menus and an extensive wine list.
MARCH
The Shakespeare Inn, Welford on Avon, Warwickshire
Louise Gargan, licensee of the Shakespeare Inn, describes her dedicated team as "one big family" who have worked together to turn the pub around. When Louise first took on the business it was empty and run down, but with the help of her staff they refurbished the premises and created a thriving food-led pub. The team were nominated for their willingness to jump in and help out whenever necessary.
APRIL
The Fox & Grapes, Hawarden, Wales
The hard work put in by staff at the Fox & Grapes has enabled the pub to buck the trend with sales going from strength to strength. Kimberley McGibbon's team won their award for their insatiable drive to come up with new initiatives to take the pub forward. A recent example includes asking people to put their business cards in a box in order to enter competitions, which in turn builds up a database of customers.
MAY
The Robin Hood, Sutton, Surrey
For the Robin Hood, the staff really are the pub. Licensee Michelle Green nominated her all-male team for the award to show her gratitude for their tireless work and the genuine relationships they have forged with the regulars. She said: "We are a community pub and the staff take their role very seriously by looking out for older customers, being a shoulder to cry on, raising money for local charities and much more."
JUNE
The Fox and Hounds, Haydon Wick, Swindon
The team at the Fox and Hounds is there for licensee Ellen Lee "come hell or high water" - literally at times. Last July the pub was hit by severe floods which left the restaurant area under several feet of water, but the staff came to the rescue with buckets and helped to bail the water out. Ellen nominated her team for their willingness to help out when times get tough.
JULY
The Nightingale, Balham, South West London
Joanie Clement began working behind the bar of the Nightingale 30 years ago and she has not looked back since. Still serving aged 73 Joanie has become a much-loved part of the pub, summing up the character of the entire team at the Nightingale. Pub managers Lee and Keris De Villiers said: "Some customers will come in to the bar and ask for her, we'll tell them that she's out or on holiday and they say they'll come back when she's back!"
AUGUST
Safe Harbour, Fowey, Cornwall
Speaking of their team as an "adopted family", licensees Angela and Rob Husband have praised their staff for their willingness to turn their hands to anything from helping with refurbishments to hosting parties. Angela said: "Without them we would not have been able to implement the changes we have made in the Safe. They are willing to come in at a moment's notice."
SEPTEMBER
The Crown Inn, Martley, near Worcester
After the pub was shortlisted for the Marston's Pub of the Year award, licensee Caroline Cassell nominated her staff in recognition of their strong team work. The team's dedication to the pub and the welcoming atmosphere they create clearly impressed Marston's on their mystery visit. Caroline said: "It's down to them that we're on the list."
OCTOBER
The Queen Victoria, Halifax
By doubling the pub's wet and dry intake in only eight months, the staff at the Queen Victoria have much to sing and dance about. In particular licensees Michelle and Julian Hadala singled out their manageress Laura Hamilton for praise due to her never-ending hard work and commitment to the business. Julian said: "During hard times you need someone like her in control."
