The award is the sixth accolade Karen and Phil Hughes have received in the past month.
The duo have extended their lease with hopes of banking another decade at the pub. The Waggon & Horses were recently joint second runner-up for Food Pub of the Year plus recognition awards in the community pub, live music & entertainment and bar team categories of the Pride of Staffordshire Awards 2024, as well as an additional finalist position in the LoveNUL awards, which celebrates business excellence in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Originally a member of the bar staff team, Karen started working at the Waggon & Horses in 2002 before eventually partnering with husband Phil to take over the site after the previous licensees announced their retirement.
Traditional essence
Aiming to keep the sites traditional feel, the couple have redecorated many times keeping the traditional essence of the site maintained.
Serving traditional pub food comprised of recipes passed down from both Karen and Phil’s parents, the meat and vegetable produce come from local suppliers. Dishes include Steak and Ale pie, steak & kidney pudding, liver & onions, lasagne and Sunday roasts. Drinks offerings include Cask Marque-accredited cask ales.
The site has served as a community hub for a range of ages, with many families who frequent the pub. The site offers an array of live entertainment and quiz nights and serves as a place for elderly citizens who live alone.
High standards
Kate Hughes said: “Everyone looks out for each other and sends out a search party to check on anyone who hasn’t been in for a while.”
The pub has raised significant funds, in the thousands for nominated charity Dougie Mac Hospice.
Phil Hughes added: “The Waggon & Horses is thought to have been operating as an ale house since the early 1800s. Our greatest wish is to keep it thriving for everyone to enjoy. We feel very fortunate to have such a fantastic bunch of loyal regulars.”
“They make the pub the special place it is. They’re like family. Our daughter even had her wedding here, and all the customers pitched in to ensure it was a really wonderful day. We’re so grateful for their support; it means the world to us and the pub wouldn’t have won these awards without it.”
Star Pubs area manager for Stoke and North Staffordshire Andrew Myatt said: “The Waggon & Horses has stood the test of time, and it’s all down to Karen and Phil, who have given it their all and worked so hard to keep it at the top of its game.”
He continued: “Their hospitality and standards are second to none. It’s brilliant news for the area that they’ve taken another 10-year lease.”
