That has involved working with the brewery on a refurbishment programme which judges described as a “massive success”, but also co-ordinating with St Austell in developing the pubs food and drink offer to broaden the range, bring in more local sourcing and increase that overall appeal.
On the drink front, the pub has been working with the brewery to increase its wine sales with the introduction of monthly promotions, offering specially tailored deals. Guest beers are also helping to drive excitement with customers, and working with the Real Beer Company, part of St Austell, has helped shape that offer and drive growth.
A rebadging of St Austell’s Cornish Best Ale as the pub’s own Salcombe’s Best has proved a real winner and beer sales have grown significantly as a result.
Judge Ali Carter said: “Tim and Liz Hore are true professionals in the pub industry, hugely experienced they are never ones to rest on their laurels or assume they know it all. After eight years of steadily building the trade at the Victoria Inn they initiated a capex development which was implemented jointly with the brewery, each side listening to each others superior knowledge of what would work and resulting in a 45% increase in trade in the following year.
“Overwhelmingly the mutual respect and trust between St Austell and Tim and Liz is evident in everything they do. St Austell recognise Tim and Liz as 'flagship tenants' and they in turn continually help St Austell with innovative ideas.”