Were you spotted at the 2019 Publican Awards?

The glittering ceremony, which was attended by around 1,400 people and hosted by comedian Alan Carr, is now in its 28th year and was held last night (12 March) at Battersea Evolution, south London.

The awards celebrate the best of the pub trade with some 18 gongs handed out to businesses across the nation.

Stonegate Pub Company took home the titles of Best Community Pub Operator, Best Pub Employer (501+ employees) and Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites). Also, its recent acquisition Be At One won Best Drinks Offer.

Award winners

Stonegate’s CEO Simon Longbottom was voted Business Leader of the Year by finalists and judges of the awards.

Other award winners included Fuller, Smith & Turner, which was awarded Best Accommodation Operator and Best Pub Operations Team.

Outgoing Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand was voted the winner for Outstanding Industry Contribution for his 18 years in the business.

He was praised for his commitment to training and hard work in taking the pub company forward to being one of the leading players in the pub trade.

Great businesses

The Morning Advertiser ​editor Ed Bedington said: “This event is always a pleasure to host, and we are delighted to be able to recognise some of the greatest businesses that work in our sector.”

Headline sponsors Sky used the event to urge the industry to look to its environmental responsibilities by highlighting a range of issues it is focusing on within its business, including Sky Ocean Rescue.

Selfie time

You are the one

The Rick Parfitt Junior band went down a storm

Hands in the air

Award winners took to the dance floor

Time for a sing-a-long

Eyes down and looking

Sing your heart out

Beat box experts Duke got everyone's attention

Guests had their best glad rags on

Camden Hells Lager was one of many tipples available

Celebrations all round

Night fever was in the air

Lean back

Music from WKD's DJ was enjoyed

Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air

Party-goers celebrated until the early hours

Guests were posing for pics all night long

The awards would not happen without the support of: AB InBev, Asahi, Britvic, Bacardi, Carlsberg UK, CGA, Coca-Cola European Partners, CPL Online, Fentimans, Food Spark, Freixenet, Fever-Tree, Heineken, Kuehne + Nagel, Indie Brands, Molson Coors, Poppleston Allen, Southern Comfort, Tanqueray and Tia Maria all ensured the party carried on into the wee small hours with further entertainment provided by beat box experts Duke, the Rick Parfitt Junior Band and DJs provided by drinks brand WKD.​