Double swoop for Heartwood at Publican Awards

The multiple operator impressed judges in both the Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites) and Best Pub Operations Team categories

Hosted by top comedian Tom Allen in front of more than 1,500 people at Evolution London in Battersea, the awards recognised a wide range of businesses for outstanding work in the face of challenging circumstances.

Loungers chairman and co-founder Alex Reilley was named Business Leader of the Year for achieving astonishing growth in a challenging and complex market.

People driven business

He said: "We have had a massive challenge over the last few years, but you have to remember we are a fabulously people driven business with a fabulous culture across the industry.

“Fundamentally while we still have challenges, we are really integral to way that people exist and want to live their lives.”

For the third year in a row, Barons Pub Company was recognised for its dedication to its teams and was named Best Pub Employer (up to 500 employees).

Liberation Group took home the title of Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites). COO Jayson Perfect said the company had had an “amazing week” and he was “very proud” to have won the “amazing award”.

Shining a light

The Publican Awards has now been running for more than three decades, celebrating excellence across the sector.

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser​, which organises the awards, said: “We are delighted to announce and celebrate our winners, shining a light on the incredible businesses showcasing the best in our sector, despite the challenges we all are facing.

“All of the companies we have seen over the past few weeks and months have been outstanding and judges have had a tough job to pick winners.

“These awards are the pinnacle of the industry and even being shortlisted is an amazing achievement so a huge well done to all finalists and winners.”

The awards are sponsored by Britvic Soft Drinks, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Heineken UK, illy Coffee, Kopparberg, Moët Hennessey, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Poppleston Allen and Sky Business.

The 2024 Publican Awards winners in full:

Best Accommodation Operator​

St Austell Brewery

Best Brewing Pub Company​

Everards Brewery

Best Community Pub Operator

Proper Pubs (Admiral)

Best Drinks Offer​

Cheshire Cat

Best Food Offer​

Brucan Pubs

Best Late-Night Operator​

Kuckoo

Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites)​

Heartwood Inns

Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites)​

Liberation Group

Best New Site​

The Journeyman, Gerrards Cross – Oakman Group

Best Partnership Pub (501+ sites)​

Punch Pubs & Co

Best Partnership Pub (up to 500 sites)​

Shepherd Neame

Best Premium Food Offer​

Anglian Country Inns

Best Pub Brand/Concept​

Hickory’s

Best Pub Employer (501+ employees)​

Marston’s

Best Pub Employer (up to 500 employees)​

Barons Pub Company

Best Pub Operations Team​

Heartwood Inns

Best Sustainable Pub Company​

Greene King

Business Leader of the Year​

Alex Reilley

Additional reporting by Rebecca Weller.​