The search is now on for front of house heroes who may be the pub’s owner/licensee or are employed as manager. Being shortlisted as a finalist offers a range of business benefits.
As this year’s Front of House Manager of the Year winner Mike Champion, of the Red Lion in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, said: "We definitely had a good upsurge in business.
"A lot of customers came in to congratulate me and it brought a lot of customers back sooner than they may otherwise have returned. It does raise your standards. We are up 10% year on year and winning the award has definitely added to the business.
"We are launching an outside catering business this year called Black and Red Events and having the accolade as part of the advertising is a major coup that convinces people to book with us rather than a competitor. Getting recognition from your peers is the biggest accolade."
Partnerships
The award is sponsored by Scotch whisky brand Highland Park. Its award winning range of 12, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts.
Highland Park forged a partnership with Slow Food to create a new initiative, the Slow Food UK Chef Alliance, which encourages chefs to support the aims of Slow Food UK.
Peter Sandstrom, marketing director, Maxxium UK on behalf of Highland Park said: "The front of house manager is a pivotal role in any establishment and the drinks offering is central to this. As an award-winning single malt whisky, we are excited to be sponsoring this category.
"We look forward to reviewing the entries and, ultimately, congratulating the winner."
The closing date for entries is 17 October 2013. Other awards open for entry are Newcomer of the Year, open to pubs who have been open for up to 18 months and Business Innovation of the Year, recognising a successful new initiative a gastropub operator has added to their business.
For more information and to download and entry form visit the awards website.