Since the launch in January this year, operators have been entering the competition, showing judges evidence of how they’ve been building their businesses, teams and communities, with a focus on their resilience, sustainability and diversification.
Selected from a field of more than 300 entrants, the six finalists were chosen based on their community impact, sustainability and diversification, as well as exceptional mystery diner visits, financial audits and face-to-face interviews in their pubs with judges, Sue Allen and Ashley McCarthy.
The 2023 LOYA finalists in full:
Samantha & Mark Robinson – Queens Head Hotel, Troutbeck, Windermere
Michelle Gilmour – The Old Windmill – Spon Street, Coventry
Lee & Keris De Villiers – The Pig & Whistle – Wandsworth, south-west London
Ollie Coulombeau – The Turk’s Head – Twickenham, south-west London
Joe Buckley & Flo Pearce – The Tollemache Arms – Harrington, Northampton
Tommy Fox – The Barrelman – Commercial Street, Dundee
Celebrating excellence
BII chief executive Steve Alton said: “Our Licensee of the Year Award is the most prestigious & hard-fought award, showcasing the dedication and excellence in our sector. The final six are of an incredible standard.”
He added that the trade body was “proud” the awards offered a value-added experience to all those involved.
Finalists had a chance to assess their business at every stage, from mystery customer reports and judging visit feedback. Alton said this process would continue right through to the final judging day at Sky HQ on Monday 19 June.
“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all involved and wish them the best of luck for the final stages of the competition,” he added.
All six finalists will be presented with a trophy at the BII Summer Event on 20 June, where the winner of Licensee of the Year 2023 will be crowned.
You can sign up to attend the ceremony here.
