Held in Liverpool, the awards were the group’s biggest yet where more than 800 pubs, GMs, partners and pub support centre team members received nominations, resulting in 15 winners being announced on the night.
The judging process included 12 months of data gathering and two regional and divisional heats before judges travelled across the nation to create the shortlist.
Lesley Anderson of the Dancing Betty in Murton took home the coveted title of GM/Partner of the Year.
Shining example
Judges described her as “a shining example of what a GM/partner can achieve at Marston’s, demonstrating year-on-year sales growth and hosting a bustling calendar of events that bring the local community together”.
Community Hero of the Year was awarded to Karen Dawson from Longshore in Shoreham-by-Sea, where a jam-packed calendar of community-led events are on offer, including crib and the start of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride where 300 bikers meet in the car park.
The Rose & Crown in Porthcawl took the title of Great Place to Work. Licensee Hannah Lewis was praised for creating a safe and welcoming environment with the highest commitment to her team’s wellbeing, which was reflected in the pub’s guest feedback and reputation scores.
Immensely proud
Head Chef of the Year went to Ricky Wilding from the Running Hare, Ewloe thanks to the pride in his craft, which was reflected in the service and culinary excellence delivered in the kitchen resulting in consistently great feedback from customers.
Marston’s chief operating officer Neil Campbell said: “This year’s National Pub of the Year awards were a spectacular evening, full of inspirational stories of operational excellence, community engagement and good times shared by all.
“We are immensely proud of all our teams and the dedication and hard work they put into their pubs and communities every day.
“A huge congratulations to each of the deserving winners, finalists and nominees for inspiring us all and keeping our guests returning time and time again.”
The Marston's 2024 National Pub of the Year winners:
Sports Pub of the Year
The Arrow, Yeovil
Best Entertainment Pub of the Year
The Pontardawe Inn, Pontardawe
Hotel of the Year
The Two Rivers at Chepstow, Chepstow
Sales Outstanding Progress of the Year
Weaver Arms, Hinckley
Guest Obsessed Pub of the Year
Turing Key, Bletchley
Great Place to Work Pub of the Year
The Rose & Crown, Porthcawl
Guest Experience Outstanding Progress
The Houghton Arms, Failsworth
Community Hero of the Year
Karen Dawson, the Longshore, Shoreham-by-Sea
Head Chef of the Year
Ricky Wilding, the Running Hare, Ewloe
Drinks Pub of the Year
St Johns Hotel, Hull
Garden of the Year
The Ship Inn, Bridlington
Balanced Score Card Outstanding Progress
The Whistling Wren, Leigh
Pub Support Centre Person of the Year
Gill Minor, recruitment development manager
GM/Partner of the Year
Lesley Anderson, the Dancing Betty, Murton
