The compact suburban pub, in Ruislip, west London, has been transformed into a community delight, with every square inch of the operation’s outside space being used to provide a wonderful space for guests.
Steve Banks and his team at the pub have taken a traditional old site and built a stunning outdoor space around it, more than tripling the interior space, and allowing the pub to trade strongly year round.
Outdoor transformation
Working with a local gardener, Steve has transformed the outdoor space with an eclectic mix of flora and fauna which even includes its own grape vines.
The horticulture is complemented by an impressive approach to outside fixtures, all handcrafted from recycled and reused materials, giving the garden a rustic and individual look which is a delight for visitors, and offers impressive kerb appeal for those passing on the busy roads nearby.
With a nearby crematorium, Steve has also managed to build very strong business relations with surrounding funeral directors and his distinctive function room, featuring a listed bar, is regularly hired out for wakes and post-ceremony gatherings.
Career development
With a background of having worked for John Lewis, Steve has transferred many of the skills of his previous career across, and as a result there’s a strong focus on training and career development throughout his business.
The overall result is that this is a pub that locals are delighted to have on their doorstep and staff are delighted to be working for.
A former finalist in the awards, this is a pub that continues to improve and grow, winning a number of previous awards, for both its gardens, and its operations.
Full list of 2023 GBPA winners:
Great British Pub of the Year 2023 – the Cholmondeley Arms, Malpas, Cheshire
Best City/Urban Pub – the Turks Head, Twickenham, Greater London
Best Country/Rural Pub – the Cholmondeley Arms, Malpas, Cheshire
Best Pub for Food – the Loch & The Tyne, Old Windsor, Berkshire
Best Pub for Dogs – the Bellflower, Garstang, Lancashire
Best Pub for Families – the Plough, Normanton on the Wolds, Nottinghamshire
Best Pub for Entertainment – the Kings Arms, Bexleyheath, south east London
Best Pub Garden – Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton, Dorset
Best Pub to Watch Sport – the Royal Dyche, Burnley, Lancashire
Best Sustainable Pub – Stroud Brewery Taproom, Stroud, Gloucestershire
Best Pub Chef – Charlotte Vincent, Candlelight Inn, Chard, Somerset
Best Young Pub Chef – Karl Quirante, the Cricketers, Ormskirk, Lancashire
Community Hero – the Old Abbey Taphouse, Manchester
Admiral Pub of the Year – Boot & Shoe, Ackworth, Pontefract, West Yorkshire
Stonegate Pub of the Year – the Woodman, Ruislip, north west London
Greene King Pub of the Year – the Stag, Lyndhurst, Hampshire
Marston’s Pub of the Year – Rose & Crown, Worcester, Worcestershire
Punch Pub of the Year – the Plough, Prestbury, Gloucestershire
