Publican Awards 2016: Best pub concept

Against a strong field of competitors, the company landed the title of Best Pub Concept, sponsored by Miller Brands, during the 25th anniversary celebrations of the competition at Battersea Evolution in London.

With five sites under the Sports Bar & Grill brand, the chain has seen successive growth every years since launch. The addition of a new, stand-out site in the Canary Wharf Crossrail station & retail mall, in which the company won the tender for the site over the brands Jamie’s Italian and Nobu, has set standards for the estate going forwards, and really caught the eye of judges.

Taking the title against the likes of New World Trading Company’s Botanist chain, and the Seafood Pub Company, winners elsewhere in the Publican Awards, the Sports Bar & Grill were praised for taking the traditional concept of a sports bar and making it appeal across the board.

Its decision to site itself within and around London train stations has paid off, and Network Rail is now fighting over where it can find space for the next one.

Ed Bedington, editor of the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “This is a great example of a traditional concept being turned on its heads. These venues appeal to men and women and offer a great place to stop for a pint and watch a game, or meet friends for a first rate meal.

“The attention to detail brought by the Sports Bar & Grill team is evident throughout its estate, and it’s certainly one to watch for the future.”