In addition to our prestigious top 50 list for 2014, which is based on an extensive industry poll of gastropub operators, top chefs, food writers and pubco bosses, there are also three awards which are open for entry.
Involvement in the awards help drive PR for pub businesses, generate extra trade and give your hard-working team a boost.
PMA editor Rob Willock said: "Winning or being shortlisted as a finalist is an excellent way of getting your pub and yourself the recognition you deserve. In addition to the top 50 list voted for by the industry, these special awards give new pubs and new ideas the opportunity to shine.
"Previous winners report an excellent boost to business. The time spent filling in the entry form is a valuable investment in your business."
Categories open for entry are:
- Newcomer of the Year - for business open for 18 months or less. The judging panel will look for details of investment in the business, successful food and drink promotions and events, strong marketing and PR ideas and future development plans.
- Business Innovation of the Year - judges will look for innovations that have provided a significant boost to trade such as a regular event or pop-up restaurant.
- Front of House Manager of the Year - judges will look for a manager who is making a vital contribution to the business (sponsored by Highland Park).
Three pubs will be shortlisted in each category before being visited by a panel of industry experts including Good Food Guide editor Elizabeth Carter and Alastair Sawday’s Pubs & Inns Guide editor David Hancock. The finalists will be site visited in late November/early December by a panel of judges to see the business in action.
Passion
The special award winners and the rankings in the 2014 top 50 list will be announced at an awards lunch at Anglian Country Inns’ sites Hermitage Road, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire on Monday, 27 January. Anglian Country Inns won the Best Food Offer in the Publican Awards 2013.
The awards are being run in association with Budweiser Budvar as headline partner. The company’s UK marketing controller Ian Moss said: "We love the awards so much that this is the third time we at Budweiser Budvar have sponsored the Top 50 Gastropub Awards. We do it because we have such a lot in common with gastropub operators.
"They prepare their food with the same passion as we brew our beers and don’t we go so well together and with almost any food you care to name. "
The closing date for entries is 17 October 2013.
To download an entry form and for more information visit the Gastropub Awards website.