More than 1,500 people from across the hospitality industry came together for the glittering event at Evolution London in Battersea on Wednesday 27 March.
Astonishing growth
Hosted by comedian and presenter Tom Allen, the 2024 Publican awards saw South east-based business Heartwood Inns take home two accolades after impressing judges in both the Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites) and Best Pub Operations Team categories.
Loungers chairman and co-founder Alex Reilley was named Business Leader of the Year for achieving astonishing growth in a challenging and complex market while Barons Pub Company was recognised for its dedication to its teams, taking home the Best Pub Employer (up to 500 employees) title for the third year in a row.
The Publican Awards has now been running for more than three decades, celebrating excellence across the sector.
Amazing achievement
Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “All of the companies we have seen over the past few weeks and months have been outstanding and judges have had a tough job to pick winners. These awards are the pinnacle of the industry and even being shortlisted is an amazing achievement so a huge well done to all finalists and winners.”
This year's awards were sponsored by Britvic Soft Drinks, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Heineken UK, illy Coffee, Kopparberg, Moët Hennessey, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Poppleston Allen and Sky Business.
See if you were spotted at the awards in our social media round-up here.
The 2024 Publican Awards winners in full:
Best Accommodation Operator
St Austell Brewery
Best Brewing Pub Company
Everards Brewery
Best Community Pub Operator
Proper Pubs (Admiral)
Best Drinks Offer
Cheshire Cat
Best Food Offer
Brucan Pubs
Best Late-Night Operator
Kuckoo
Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites)
Heartwood Inns
Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites)
Liberation Group
Best New Site
The Journeyman, Gerrards Cross – Oakman Group
Best Partnership Pub (501+ sites)
Punch Pubs & Co
Best Partnership Pub (up to 500 sites)
Shepherd Neame
Best Premium Food Offer
Anglian Country Inns
Best Pub Brand/Concept
Hickory’s
Best Pub Employer (501+ employees)
Marston’s
Best Pub Employer (up to 500 employees)
Barons Pub Company
Best Pub Operations Team
Heartwood Inns
Best Sustainable Pub Company
Greene King
Business Leader of the Year
Alex Reilley