Though not the largest operator among this year’s finalists, Stay Original Company emerged as the winner of the Best Accommodation Operator category at the 2021 Publican Awards having displayed the best pound-for-pound response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In the judges’ view, the operator strived both tirelessly and meticulously towards creating what is an award-worthy pub with rooms offer.
Though far from immune to Covid symptoms, the south west-based group impressed judges by showcasing both a clear identity and sense of solidity in weathering the pandemic’s effects over the past year – reinvesting generously in its estate and staff off the back of company profits and following a robust and all-encompassing plan to shelter its places, people and patrons to the best of its ability over the past 12 months.
Set in unique buildings, the Stay Original Company’s sites, which boast uniquely designed rooms and a stellar, carefully curated, food and drink offer, are high calibre destinations in their own right. Standouts among this year’s finalists, they occupy a very clear geographic market in which judges agreed Stay Original Group is now in great shape to grow sustainably and successfully.
The Stay Original Company celebrated a double win at this year’s industry gongs, taking the title of Best Premium Food Offer alongside its Accommodation award.
Celebrating excellence
Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “This year’s event has certainly been different, going from a gathering of 1,500 in Battersea to an online ceremony in the virtual world, but the ethos remains the same – celebrating excellence and there’s plenty to celebrate.
“Many companies, having faced the challenges and disasters of 2020 could be forgiven for pulling down the shutters and sitting the crisis out. Our finalists tonight, and many others in the sector, did the exact opposite of that, rose to the challenge and did some amazing things.
“We wanted to continue with the awards this year to recognise those businesses that made sacrifices and strove to not just keep going, but to improve and thrive in the teeth of a brutal storm.
“Here’s to next year when companies can get back to doing what they do best, providing outstanding hospitality experiences for their guests.”
- Check out the full list of winners from the 2021 Publican Awards here
