Fifth-generation Bedford-based brewing family, Wells & Co, celebrated in style last week as they hosted their Pub Partner Awards held at their brewery, Brewpoint, last week. These prestigious awards are normally held annually, but this is the first time the pubs were able to celebrate in over two years due to the pandemic.
The finals saw the best of the best battle it out in different categories including best newcomer, best marketing and beer & cellar champion. There were also awards recognising individuals from the pubs themselves who have gone above and beyond for the last few years.
A particular highlight was Evan from The Gate winning the Rising Star award. The Rising star award recognises an individual who has progressed and developed through the business, making them a key part of the pub and instrumental to its success. Evan joined The Gate just after the first lockdown as a temporary drinks runner, moving on to become a bartender, supervisor, Deputy Manager and now General Manager. Judges were very impressed with Evan’s drive and enthusiasm, making him a real asset to the team.
Ben, landlord of The Gate said, “I am so pleased that Evan was put forward for the Rising Star award. He has been a dedicated member of my team and has risen from a glass collector to general manager of our country pub in less than two years. I know that he has learnt a lot during the nomination process and is proud to have been recognised by both myself and Wells & Co.”
See below for a list of our winners:
Best Presented Pub – The Old Cherry Tree, Great Houghton
Best Community Pub – The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville
Best Newcomer – The White Hart, Maulden
Beer & Cellar Champion – The Elm Tree, Cambridge
Rising Star – Evan, The Gate, Bricketwood
General Manager of the Year – Jules, The Narrowboat, Weedon
Best Traditional Food – The Tollemache Arms, Harrington
Best Premium Food – The Clarence Tavern, London
Fundraiser of the Year – The Ranelagh Arms, Wellingborough
Best Marketed Pub – The Gate, Bricketwood
–ENDS–
Notes to editors:
Wells & Co. was founded in 1876 and is an independent, family-owned business with an estate of 190 pubs in the UK and 17 in France. In June 2017, Wells & Co. sold its brewery on Havelock Street and most of its brands to Marston’s PLC.
Press release from Wells & Co
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