The three pubs shortlisted in the Business Innovation of the Year award are the Angel of Corbridge, Northumberland for their on-site fish and chip shop; the Richmond Arms, West Ashling, Chichester for their ‘WoodFired’ vintage wagon pizza concept and the Oast House, Spinningfields, Manchester for their winter tepee.
Front of house stars
Shortlisted in the Front of Manager of Year award, sponsored by Highland Park whisky, are Luke Murphy of the Anchor, Walberswick, Suffolk; Agnieszka Tyczka from the Freemasons, Wiswell, Lancashire; Stelian Cristea of the Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire and Mo Gherras from the Royal Oak, Paley Street, Berkshire.
The five Newcomer of the Year finalists are the Truscott Arms, Maida Vale, London; the Packhorse Inn, Moulton, Suffolk; the Talbot, at Mells, Somerset; the Jacobs Inn, Oxford and the Staith House, North Shields.
Inspiring offers
Jo Bruce, managing editor of the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, said: “The quality of entries to this year’s awards has been exceptional, with some great entries from pubs all over the UK. The quality of food and drink these finalists are offering and the innovative ways they continue to drive their businesses forward is inspiring. Congratulations to all our finalists.”
Awards lunch
The winners will be announced, along with the rankings in the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs list, at an awards ceremony presented by Tom Kerridge at Anglian Country Inns’ Hermitage Rd Bar and Restaurant in Hitchin, Hertfordshire on 26 January.
The company has won the Best Food Offer award in the Publican Awards for the past two years.
New winner of top spot
Kerridge’s Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, has topped the list for the past three years. The pub has now been retired to the Top 50 Gastropub Awards hall of fame.
Other special awards to be announced at the event, with winners selected from the Top 50 list, are Gastropub Chef of the Year, Wine List of the Year, Highest Climber and Highest New Entrant.
The awards title partner is premium Czech beer Budweiser Budvar. Associate partners are Highland Park whisky and Appletiser.