Admiral Pub of the Year 2023

The family-run business has grown considerably over the last few years and recent investment has seen the already impressive garden space almost doubled, along with the addition of a staged space and an outdoor bar.

The Boot & Shoe, a fantastic community pub in the village of Ackworth, Yorkshire, is a fantastic operation that caters for all elements of the surrounding community.

Evolving business

This is a business that refuses to stand still, and the operator, Jamie Merrill, along with his family, continue to drive the operation forward, constantly looking for opportunities to grow.

Merrill, who’s day job is as chief finance officer for Ossett Brewery, cheerfully admits to the fact the pub is something of a side hustle from his day-to-day work, but as side hustles go, this one is particularly impressive.

The most recent development has seen extensive investment into the outside space, with the front garden of the pub extended all the way down to the road, not only offering great kerb appeal to those driving by, but also extending the trading space considerably.

Strong events

There’s a great drinks range, particularly on beer, with Merrill’s father being allowed to indulge his passion for cellar work resulting in an impressive and extremely well run set up.

While food is only a small part of the offer at the site, the pub has installed a pizza oven and does regular pizza promotions to pull the punters in.

All this, along with a strong roster of events throughout the year has seen the local community embrace this wonderful business.

This is a pub that is trading above and beyond, particularly when the sun shines and the outdoor space comes into its own, but even in the winter, the covered areas ensure the exterior remains an option, whatever the weather.