The Old Swan in Earls Barton has scooped gold prize in the Local Food Hero of the Year category of the 13th Annual Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, sponsored by Moulton College.
Keith Goddard and Paul Dexter of The Old Swan were presented with their award at a ceremony held at the Royal and Derngate in Northampton at the end of October.
The pub team were celebrated for their work throughout the pandemic where they undertook a variety of activities to support their community. These included organising the donation and distribution of food and warmth hampers throughout the winter, including pantry staples, blankets and fleeces. They organised regular lunches and went shopping for the elderly and vulnerable in the community. This is not the first recognition of their great work, as they were also featured on BBC primetime favourite The One Show.
Paul said: “We’re delighted to have received this award which is testament to all the hard work the team have put in over the last 18 months under difficult circumstances. We’d like to thank the judges for their kind words and our local community who have helped us go from strength to strength since we re-opened our doors and have really shown us their support. We look forward to welcoming guests new and old to celebrate the success with us.”
The Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards are a celebration and recognition of excellence within Northamptonshire’s food and drink sector. Launched in the spring of each year, the Awards attract hundreds of entries from restaurants, pubs, chefs, cafes and producers. Judging includes tasting panels, mystery shopping visits, cook-offs and a public vote, all culminating in the glittering awards ceremony.
More information about the Old Swan can be found on their website https://www.theoldswan.pub/
The Old Swan, 8 The Square, Earls Barton, Northampton, NN6 0NA
<ENDS>
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Stonegate Group
Following the acquisition of Ei Group on 3rd March 2020 for £1.27bn, Stonegate Group is the largest pub company in the UK. Its portfolio is comprised of 1,270 sites within the managed division and 3,200 leased and tenanted businesses.
The managed pubs division, which employs 13,500 people, is split into Branded and Traditional pubs. Branded is comprised of: Slug & Lettuce, Walkabout, Be At One and Venues. Traditional (unbranded) pubs are made up of: Proper Pubs, Town Pub & Kitchen, Classic Inns, Common Room and Craft Union.
Press release from Stonegate Group
Contact: georgiamackey@leisurepr.co.uk