Ten pubs will now go head-to-head in a second round of judging in the coming weeks. Each venue will have their food offer, service and overall business scrutinised by the Publican’s Morning Advertiser’s food team and guest judge David Hancock, managing director, Inn Places.
The awards, which recognise the best newcomer, the best front-of-house manager and the best business innovation, will be announced on the same day as the Top 50 list at an exclusive lunch.
Finalists for the three categories are:
Front of House Manager of the Year:
Two Michelin-starred chef:
I think it’s going to be a great day of celebration and the perfect way for the best in the trade to be recognised for the hard work they put into continually raising the standard of food in pubs
- Tom Kerridge
- Tom Wilkinson, The Fenwick, Lancashire
- Agnieszka Tyczka, Freemasons at Wiswell, Lancashire
- Tom Throup, The Chequers Inn, York
Innovation of the Year:
- The White Swan, Tadcaster
- Ye Old Sun Inn, Yorkshire
- The Windmill, London
- The Parlour, London
Newcomer of the Year:
- The Kentish Hare, Kent
- The Beehive, Berkshire
- Port Gaverne Hotel, Cornwall
Host for the awards and two Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge of the Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, said: “It’s great to see such a mix of pubs in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs specialist category awards.
“I know compiling the shortlist wasn’t an easy task as the entries this year were of such a high standard and I certainly don’t envy the judges who will have to decide on the winner of each category.
“What I do look forward to, though, is announcing the winners at next year’s event. I think it’s going to be a great day of celebration and the perfect way for the best in the trade to be recognised for the hard work they put into continually raising the standard of food in pubs.
‘To find out who will take the top spot’
“I’m also really excited to see the Top 50 Gastropubs list 2016 and to find out who will take the top spot!”
The awards and the list are the greatest way to get the name of your pub out there, according to James Healey, UK sales manager of the event’s lead sponsor Estrella Damm.
“Making the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list is a high priority for most pub chefs,” he said.
“Why wouldn’t you want to be ranked among the greatest food pubs the UK industry has to offer? Customers get a buzz when they know they’re eating in one of the best pubs in the country.
“Sponsoring the Top 50 Gastropubs means our association with our target customers and consumers can grow even closer. A pint of Estrella Damm can currently be enjoyed in some of the best gastropubs in the UK, including Tom Kerridge’s Hand & Flowers, Josh Eggleton’s Pony & Trap and Steven Smith’s Freemasons at Wiswell.”
The award winners and the 2016 top 50 list will be announced at a lunch at Hermitage Road Bar and Restaurant, Hertfordshire, on 25 January 2016.
Top 50 Gastropubs 2016 is sponsored by Estrella Damm and associated partners include Appletiser and Schweppes and Berkmann Wine Cellars. For more information, visit www.top50gastropubs.co.uk