The historic Yew Tree Inn at Bunbury, near Tarporley, is set to be judged on the national stage after being proclaimed Cheshire’s top pub.
Rescued from closure and dereliction only two years ago, the Yew Tree was declared Tourism Pub of the Year at a glittering Marketing Cheshire Annual Awards ceremony held at the M&S Bank’s European Headquarters in Chester.
Judges said: “This pub showed a total understanding of what a pub is. They show ambition and excellent commitment to staff training and motivation. They market the business well and provide customers with good, honest food, good beers, wines and spirits providing value for money and friendly service.”
The accolade adds to a raft of praise collected since innovative licensees Jon and Lindsay Cox refurbished and re-launched the abandoned hostelry in 2010. Now the Yew Tree goes through to represent Cheshire at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013.
In September the Good Food Guide declared the 19th century built pub ‘a big hearted country local rescued from dereliction – the kitchen tips its hat to pub grub, but there are contemporary ideas too’.
It has also won recognition in several other prestigious guides including the Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) Good Beer Guide 2013, the Michelin Guide, Sawdays and the Good Pub Guide while being voted Camra Pub of the Season – Summer 2102 for South Cheshire. An array of events held in the past two years have seen a Cheshire Food & Drink Festival, several beer festivals, wine tasting evenings and showcase menus, including Taste of Game Fortnight.
Jon Cox said: “This award is truly amazing. Two years ago we took a big risk to invest in a pub which had been abandoned by pub companies. Then it looked doomed to join the long list of village pubs that have disappeared over recent years. But we had great faith in its potential – which has now been far surpassed. We have had an outstanding year, with very buoyant trade despite the struggling economy and listings in the guides.
“It is another terrific tribute to our wonderful staff. We aim to be a true village community pub where locals can just pop in for pint and chat while we also offer quality, informal dining. It seems we must be doing something right and this award is the real cherry on the cake.”
Ends/Ref: The Yew Tree/PR14
For further information or interviews with Jon Cox please contact:
Steve Holman, Rhino Public Relations: 07751 578605. Email: shobman@rhinopr.freeserve.co.uk
Notes to editors: The Yew Tree Inn is a handsome village pub, built by The Earl of Crewe in the 19th century now lovingly refurbished to its former glory.
> > > Inside there are open fires, old beams and a great big bar plus the odd twist or two that befits the quirkiness of this beautiful corner of Cheshire. There’s also a summer terrace for al fresco dining.
> > > Freshly made, locally sourced food is on offer from a seasonal menu combined with informal service in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. There is also an eclectic range of spirits including an ever growing single malt collection, plus an extensive wine list (and our own Wine Club) and a wide range of real ales – some 350 have appeared on the bar since 2010.
Camra (Campaign for Real Ale): Recent national pub closure research released by CAMRA shows-
– Community pubs hit hard as over 300 permanently close between September 2011 – March 2012
– 12 pubs now close across Britain every week – 8 in suburban areas, and 4 in rural areas, with the nation’s high streets showing resistance in the current economic climate
Photograph: The Yew Tree Inn celebrates Marketing Cheshire Award:
Celebrity guest Terri Dwyer (former Hollyoaks) pictured with Yew Tree licensee Jon Cox (second left) and Lindsay Cox with members of the pub team and guests.
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Celebrity guest Terri Dwyer with the Yew Tree’s Jon Cox (2nd left) and Lindsay Cox..jpg
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