INDEPENDENT FAMILY BREWER SHEPHERD NEAME CELEBRATES EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT ACROSS ITS ESTATE AT ANNUAL PUB AWARDS

The Crown at Blackheath was named Pub of the Year in the annual Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, held at Canterbury Rugby Club on Wednesday (May 21).

A total of 15 awards were presented at the event, which celebrates exceptional achievement in the teams across its estate of 289 pubs in London and the South East.

As overall winner, The Crown at Blackheath was praised for establishing itself at the heart of its local community and creating an exceptional food and drink offer for customers after reopening last year following a £750,000 transformation.

It was a special moment for General Manager, Jan Mullerson, as he started his hospitality career there at the age of 19, returning last year to run it with Shepherd Neame following its refurbishment.

Receiving the award from Chief Executive Jonathan Neame with Head Chef Chris Duffy, Jan said: “This has been a real passion project. Our vision was for The Crown to become a proper, traditional pub which delivered a premium offer. We have a fantastic team and are incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”

Tenanted Pub of the Year went to The Bucks Head, Sevenoaks, which has been run by licensees James and Hope Dench for three years, having taken over the day before their daughter Nora was born. Coincidentally, they received the award on Nora’s third birthday - having spent the day with her beforehand, naturally!

Managed Business of the Year went to The Restoration in Sevenoaks, with General Manager Will Arnold collecting the trophy, who admitted he was overwhelmed at receiving the accolade after 16 years running the pub.

Both pubs had also picked up a specially created Heart of the Community award together earlier in the night, in recognition of a recent golf day they organised at Knole – the Sheps Spirit Cup – which had a fundraising target of £7,000 but ultimately raised almost £15,000 for Shepherd Neame’s Charity of the Year, Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS).

They were presented with the award by Alex Redwood, Head of Corporate Development at KSS.

James said: “The charity is one which is important to all of us – you never know when you’re going to need them, or you probably know someone who has. So it’s an easy one to raise funds for – everyone wants to give. Plus we both like golf!”

There was an individual award for Outstanding Contribution, which went to Tim Mannion, retiring General Manager of Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Orpington, who has worked for Shepherd Neame for 34 years at pubs across London and the South East.

Tim said: “It has been a very beautiful career and a lovely company to work for,” adding: “It’s nice to be appreciated – it has all been worth it.”

Best Accommodation Offer went to The Duke of Cumberland in Whitstable, which underwent a £1.8m renovation in 2023, which included transforming the eight boutique bedrooms, giving each one a distinctive style and character.

The award was presented to Holding Manager Scott Senior and newly-appointed General Manager William Jones, who both said the award was a result of the efforts of their whole team, and in particular housekeeper Saphire Hendry.

“We couldn’t keep those rooms looking so beautiful without her,” said Scott. “They look fabulous – if I could move in, I would!”

Customer Service Pub of the Year was awarded to seafood restaurant The Fish on the Green at Bearsted, which is listed in the Michelin Guide and holds two AA Rosettes. It was collected by Head Chef Peter Baldwin and Deputy Manager Emily Tikulin.

Peter said the emphasis for the whole team was always on service. “The important thing is always that the customer comes through the door and has a wonderful time – and that’s every time,” he said.

Sustainable Pub of the Year was awarded to The Wharf in Dartford. Shepherd Neame has introduced a number of energy saving initiatives as part of its People, Pubs and Planet strategy, and this pub has seen the highest reduction in energy usage across the estate. Receiving the award, General Manager Chris Abnett said: “We are just on it all the time when it comes to energy saving, it has been a real team effort.”

The Heart of the Community Award was presented to The Horse and Groom. Belgravia, whose team, led by Afrim Neli, who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for a range of charities.

Chef of the Year went to highly respected Simon French, of the Botany Bay Hotel, Broadstairs, who was described as ‘a force for positivity’, supporting all his colleagues, including nurturing new ones, and a ‘gentle rock’ in his kitchen.

Taking on his third apprenticeship qualification in as many years, Apprentice of the Year went to Dani Policane of The Marine Hotel, Tankerton. Dani, who has passed his first two apprenticeship courses with distinctions, and is embarking on his Level 4 Hospitality Kitchen Manager Apprenticeship, said: “It’s exciting to have won this. I really do enjoy learning and Shepherd Neame has been incredibly supportive of my development.”

The Best Food Offer award went to The Bull at Newick, with judges praising its innovative menu, focused on seasonal and local ingredients. It was received by Executive Head Chef Dan Welland and Front of House Manager Ruby Stevens. Dan said: “It is a testament to the whole team.”

The Best Beer Offer award was scooped by The Bishops Finger in Smithfield, which judges praised for its excellent range of high quality beers.

The Best Wine Offer was awarded to The General’s Arms, Little Baddow, whose wine list was described as ‘the most eclectic and extensive in the area’.

The award for the Best Bar Person of the Year went to Jemima Woolnough of The Wharf, Dartford, who was unable to attend, but was described as leading by example and adding value to the business.

The evening also included a number of long service awards, including to Stephen and Phil Harris in recognition of 25 years running The Sportsman in Seasalter, which holds a Michelin star, and to licensees Pauline Reynolds at the Three Tuns in Faversham and twins Sue Stoten and Hazel Robinson at The Hastings Arms, who have run their pubs for 20 years.

Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “Our industry has faced many challenges in recent times, but we dust ourselves off and come back again. Whatever happens, people need to socialise, and they need pubs. We strive to ensure that ours are not only the best in their local communities, but continue to be among the best in the country. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to thank our team members and licensees for their incredible dedication and hard work throughout the year.”

The full list of the 15 awards and winners are:

Apprentice of the Year: Dani Policane, The Marine Hotel, Tankerton
Chef of the Year: Simon French, The Botany Bay Hotel, Broadstairs
Best Bar Person: Jemima Woolnough, The Wharf, Dartford
Best Beer Offer: The Bishops Finger, Smithfield
Best Wine Offer: The Generals Arms, Little Baddow
Best Food Offer: The Bull Inn, Newick
Best Accommodation Offer: The Duke of Cumberland, Whitstable
Customer Service Pub of the Year: The Fish on the Green, Bearsted
Sustainable Pub of The Year: The Wharf, Dartford
Heart of the Community: The Horse and Groom, Belgravia
Heart of the Community – special award: The Bucks Head & The Restoration
Outstanding Contribution: Tim Mannion, Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Orpington
Tenanted Pub of the Year: The Bucks Head, Sevenoaks
Managed Business of the Year, The Restoration, Sevenoaks
Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year, The Crown, Blackheath