Why you need to enter the Great British Pub Awards

• Have you entered this year? Why not?! You can do so here​.​

The Best Sustainable Pub​ trophy is displayed proudly on the bar at Stroud Brewery’s taproom, which also shouted about its win through its website and social media while the business also obtained good local press coverage about its success at last year’s awards.

A spokesperson for the venue said: “Many of our customers care about what's happening to the environment and are choosing to buy from companies which are doing what they can to be more sustainable, especially here in Stroud which is well known in the UK as a centre for green activities.

“Having 'official' confirmation from the Great British Pub Awards has helped to maintain the respect our local community holds for our genuine commitment to caring about the environment, and has helped to maintain our customer base during this time that's very difficult for everyone in hospitality.

“The credibility from the award has helped our on-trade and off-trade sales people in their negotiations when developing new customers. It's also added credibility to our campaign promoting our 'Sustainability in Pubs - a beginner's guide', which we launched last year.”

The Bellflower in Garstang, Lancashire was named the Best Pub for Dogs​ two years in a row.

Licensee Heather Porter-Brandwood said: “Winning the award two years straight was a huge achievement and got us publicity across the globe!

“It was great to meet so many new people who travelled great distances to visit our pub and use our facilities. We have since moved venues to the Old Duke in Southport and brought all our dog friendly shenanigans with us here too... fingers crossed they do just as well!

“It was amazing to have won. It meant a great deal to the team to see their efforts had been noticed, and to our local community who had always supported us. 

Absolute high point

Gloucestershire-based business Stroud Brewery also highlighted how much winning at the Great British Pub Awards meant to the business.

The spokesperson added: “The brewery has been working to reduce its impact upon the environment since its early days. Initially, we switched to organic ingredients and when that was done, we started looking at what other activities we could make more sustainable.

“This was at a time when it was virtually unheard of for businesses to think about the environment and few in the pub and brewing industry knew what sustainability was.

“Receiving the Best Sustainable Pub Award from the Great British Pub Awards was an absolute high point and so rewarding as, to us, it's a vote of confidence in what we're doing from our peers which is fantastic recognition. Winning the award has also helped us to gain more longer-term publicity as it led to the brewery's MD & founder being asked to write opinion pieces​ in press and being invited to speak at conferences.”

Like Stroud Brewery, Best Pub for Food​ winner the Loch & The Tyne in Old Windsor, Berkshire also displayed its award on the bar and celebrated the win throughout the year on social media with customers celebrating with the pub.

Furthermore, the pub has seen a consistent rise in customers since its win. Restaurant director at the Adam Handling Group George Hersey added: “People have really got behind us and the pub is busier and better than ever.”

He went on to outline how much winning the award meant to the business and the staff at the pub.

“It meant so much to the whole team to receive this award. We try to make every day better than the last and improve the offering for the guest as much as possible,” Hersey said.

“These awards are sometimes the cherry on top, making all of the hard work even more worthwhile, knowing that the guests are having an incredible experience. It creates such comradery and to celebrate all together meant everything to us.

Great initiative

Last year’s also winners urged other operators to consider entering the Great British Pub Awards for a multitude of reasons.

Porter-Brandwood said: “It's a great initiative run by a great bunch of people and we're lucky to be included. It's great for business development, team and community engagement and networking. And boy do they know how to throw a party!!”

The Loch & the Tyne’s Hersey emphasised the impact on teams that winning can have alongside the honour of being part of the process.

He added: “These awards showcases the best of the best in the country. It is a privilege to be a part of it and a great way for the team to celebrate all the amazing things that they do all year round. Put a smile on your team's faces and go for it!”

Recognition was one area highlighted by Stroud Brewery in terms of the benefits of winning at the Great British Pub Awards.

The spokesperson said: “It's such satisfying recognition for the hard work being done by pubs and their staff to provide customers with a welcoming and high-quality experience.

“As most pubs are having to juggle many challenges at the moment, winning an award gives everyone a boost of confidence and is recognition that their hard work is paying off.

“Completing the application form has the added benefit of helping the pubs to realise how far they've come and what they've achieved. It can also prompt ideas for more things to do.”

So, what are you waiting for? Enter here​ now for the chance for your business to be named the best pub in the country.