Young's and Anglian Country Inns take food award titles at Publican Awards 2014
Anglian Country Inns scooped the prize for Food Offer two to 50 sites for the second year running while Young’s won Food Offer 51+.
The smaller company will grow to five sites in April with the opening of Water Lane Bar & Restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire and impressed judges with its business growth and innovation over the last year. Like-for-like food sales are up 13% with food accounting for 54% of total sales. Each site has a separate identity and menu.
Aside from fresh ideas including a coffee shop downstairs at Hermitage Road in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, which also holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and Norfolk tapas on the menu at the White Horse in Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk, using local produce, the group also impressed through its own staff motivation system. FISNA (Fun, Innovation, Staff, Numbers and Achievement) was created in-house as a means of monitoring and motivating management and staff.
Managing director James Nye said: "I am absolutely thrilled to have won Best Food Offer again. It is a really tight category and to be recognised as the best in the industry for the second year running, means a huge amount to me but more importantly reflects the massive effort and commitment that every member of our team has put in this last year."
Food Offer 51+ sites
Young’s impressed judges of the larger category with its commitment to innovation, sustainability and a strong dose of business nouse. The group has performed strongly in the competitive London and south-east dining market with like-for-like food sales up 7.6% in the last year.
Innovations include sharing roasts on Sundays, a British charcuterie range with British artisan suppliers, food masterclasses and Pubstival - an alternative take on a harvest festival in association with local charities.
Digitally the company has advanced with its famous annual and hugely popular Scotch Egg Challenge held at the Ship in Wandsworth, south-west London, trending on Twitter last year and a series of ‘foodie’ videos promoting chef expertise, hosted by director of food Ray Brown.
The awards were held at the Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair, London and hosted by comedian John Bishop. Guests enjoyed a meal designed by Masterchef: The Professionals winner Anton Piotrowski, who runs the Treby Arms in Sparkwell, Devon.
