The Three Lions in Farncombe won the award, one of 13 in the brewery’s pubs and hotels which were honoured in a ceremony at the Conningbrook Hotel in Ashford on 30 June.
'Tenacity and determination'
The Three Lions’ accolade paid tribute to the ‘tenacity and dedication’ of first-time licensees Sarah and Graham Firth and their team after the pub was gutted by a blaze in February 2014, just four weeks into their tenure at the pub.
The fire devastated a third of the building, destroyed their possessions and rendered the pub uninhabitable.
Despite this just five months later they were back up and running. They also raised more than £1,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity to thank them for saving the pub.
Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame, who presented the awards, said: “Sarah and Graham have taken to the pub business like ducks to water. Despite the huge challenge presented by the fire, they have remained cheerful and focused, and have only ever seen opportunities in their adversity - a thoroughly well-deserved award.”
Former media sales executive Sarah and her finance director husband Graham have maintained live music, and added great food, quiz nights and charity fundraising events.
Sarah Firth said: “We are completely surprised and absolutely delighted, especially considering all the fantastic Shepherd Neame pubs out there. We don’t just see this as an award for ourselves; it’s a credit to whole the team at the pub. We’re just so chuffed!”
13 pubs honoured
The Pub Restaurant of the Year Award went to the Plough, Upper Dicker.
Judges praised the professionalism, high standards and customer service and cited outstanding Trip Advisor reviews: “Amazing food, great service, repeat visitor.”
The Pub Food of the Year Award went to first-time licensees Elsie Innes and her partner Jordan Apps of the Peacock, Goudhurst who have turned a wet-led pub into a food pub by offering ‘proper pub food at affordable prices’.
The Gate Inn, Marshside claimed the title of Beer Hero with judges praising licensee Glenn Hollingworth’s beer offer, which is served directly from the cask and keg in the cellar.
The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown was named Wine Pub of the Year after sales rocketed to almost 8,500 bottles a year.
Brendan McBride at the Sun Inn, Faversham was awarded Manager of the Year.
A successful pub manager since 2001 and manager of the Sun Inn for the last seven years, Brendan was recognised for his team-building skills, which have contributed to the continued double-digit growth in trade.
The Managed Business of the Year award went to the Botany Bay Hotel, Kingsgate. Managers Ian and Alison Farlane have seen trade significantly up on last year following refurbishment.
The New Licensee of the Year Award was presented to Peter and Gill Allen from the Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne, who have proved ‘experts in creating a fantastic pub experience’.
The Tenanted Pub of the Year Award went to Alessandro Tinti from the Imperial, Southborough, who with his wife Barbara and sister Stephania brought an Italian flavour to the pub.
Dawn and Tony James, licensees of the Telegraph, Deal, received the Heart of the Community Pub of the Year award for £20,000 of local fundraising.
The Plough, Lewson Street, won Best Floral Display for its display sourced from a local farmer.
Simon and Tanya Causton from the Caxton Arms, Brighton were honoured with the Turnaround Pub of the Year award, introducing Thai food drawing on their experience running bars in Thailand.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Les Koncsik of the Crown & Anchor, Faversham after 45 years as a licensee.