A pub can only be as good as the people running it. And if anyone can spot a well-run boozer, it’s the British Institute of Inn-keeping. They have trawled the country to find those publicans who go above and beyond to make their establishment the best it can possibly be – and they have just announced their 12 semi-finalists.
Each of the 12 pubs will now have a visit and interview from the BII judges, with 6 finalists being invited to the final judging day in London on Monday 4th June 2018. They’ll be treated to an overnight stay, courtesy of award sponsors Sky, and also receive a trophy to recognise their achievements.
Finally, at an event on Tuesday 5th June, one lucky licensee is crowned the best of 2018 – exciting stuff! Below you can check out all the hopefuls and their fabulous venues.
Licensee of the Year 2018 – Semi-finalists
Kim Barker – The Ship Inn – St Austell
Daniel Da Costa – St Christopher’s Inn – Southwark
Lee & Keris de Villiers – The Pig & Whistle – Wandsworth
Marc Duvauchelle – The Old Customs House – Portsmouth
Mark Holden & Justin Barnett – The Victoria Inn – Truro
Simon Mills – The Harvester – Long Itchington
Christopher Norfolk – The Elm Tree – Elmton
Mark Shaw – The Castle Inn – Castle Donnington
Jessica Stanton & Russ Matterson – The Halfway House Pub & Kitchen – Polbathic
Mark & Penny Thornhill – The King’s Head – Hursley
Rachel Watson – The George IV – Chiswick
Alex & Tanya Williams – Polgooth Inn – St Austell
Prizes for the overall winner include:
- Two tickets and accommodation for the finalists to attend a Summer Event where the winner is crowned
- A year’s Sky Sports Commercial Pub and Club subscription for their pub
- Study trip with accommodation for two in Amsterdam (courtesy of Heineken)
- Up to £500 towards a party for staff of the winning pub to celebrate
- Lifetime membership of the BII