The ninth edition of the guide is officially published tomorrow (1 June), featuring more than 900 pubs, with 200 of those having accommodation. They are generally food-led with “something special” about them, such as the landlord, location, food or staff.
Editor David Hancock told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser that he is seeing more original diversification across the UK this year.
“One key change is the new breed of inn,” he said. “It’s more than a pub, but not a hotel — more like the old traditional coaching inn feel. Very relaxing and chilled out where everybody is welcome.” He said the Beckford Arms in Fonthill, Wiltshire is “spot on” for this, with local beers, a simple, short menu and hammocks in the garden.
Another avenue that pubs are choosing is adding a cafe as part of the venue, The Bell at Ramsbury, Wiltshire has added a room for afternoon tea, coffees and cakes served on traditional cake stands in answer to the growing popularity of afternoon tea, which can sometimes be busier than the main pub.
“I’m seeing more pubs, even rural village pubs, opening for breakfast and capturing trade, adding microbreweries, allotments, delis and farmers markets, rearing their own animals and generally getting more community-focused,” said Hancock.
“That is key to survival in winter. Overall it is about being more flexible, listening to the customer and lateral thinking on the marketing side.”
There are 12 award winners in the guide across four categories:
Local, seasonal and organic produce award:
- The Lazy Toad Inn, Brampford Speke, Devon
- The Sun at Northaw, Hertfordshire
- The Fox, Broughton Gifford, Wiltshire
Authentic Pub award:
- Two Brewers, Windsor, Berkshire
- Blacksmiths Arms, Broughton Mills, Cumbria
- The Stag, Balls Cross, Sussex
Pubs with rooms award:
- The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach, Gloucestershire
- The Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, Wiltshire
- Cross Foxes, Dolgellau, Gwynedd
Community pub award:
- Five Bells Inn, East Brabourne, Kent
- The Full Moon, Morton, Nottinghamshire
- The Crown Inn, Great Ouseburn, Yorkshire