Pubs prosper, despite gloom

The Cock Inn at Clare in Suffolk was named the Pub of the Year at the inaugural Adnams Pub Awards hosted at the Swan Hotel in Southwold. Rupert Farquharson, Director of Retail at Adnams spoke about the Awards. “Pubs across the country are closing at a record rate of five a day and as small businesses are suffering under current economic conditions. However, there are many great pub operators throughout our region who run extremely successful and vibrant businesses. Adnams will celebrate this success on an annual basis through the creation of the Adnams Pub Awards. All Adnams tenants were invited to enter across five categories and the winners are people who have gone that bit further and worked harder to make their pub a fantastic place to visit.”

The Categories and Winners
Community Pub of the Year

The Cherry Tree, Woodbridge

The focus in the Cherry Tree is on fun and interaction with the community. Customers are encouraged to play games – whether on organised quiz nights or just by playing with the extensive selection of board games placed around the pub. Outside there is a surprisingly large garden which features a unique “Landlady’s Folly” this is a table and chairs which swings and rocks and proves popular with customers- even in the winter!On the menu it is pub favourites like Beef and Adnams Ale pie that are most popular and if you are lucky you may get to see the Landlords collection of working model steam engines puffing away in the tap room.

Best Pub Gardens

The Worlds End, Mulbarton

The Worlds End has already been recognised for the quality of its gardens when it won the East of England Best Pub Garden this year and the Adnams judges were equally impressed by the continued high standards.With over an acre of land the pub is a fantastic place for families with a play area for children and seating for over 150 people. When not outside visitors can enjoy a traditional Sunday carvery and during the week the pub offers take away fish and chips

Best Merchandising

The Hospital Arms, Colchester

Merchandising is all about creating the most appealing and interesting environment for customers and The Hospital Arms have certainly achieved this. One of the most suprising features is actually in the pub garden where a little bit of Southwold has come to Colchester. The landlord has faithfully recreated a beach hut in the garden as a shelter from the English weather together with a seaside mural painted by a local artist who paints scenery at the local theatre. The pub is run by two sisters and their husbands who are all well known in Colchester and the pub is friendly and welcoming venue.

Best Food

The Cock Inn, Clare

Since taking over the Cock Inn, Simon and Victoria have transformed the pub into a popular local dining venue. With the addition of an outside deck the pub is a great place for informal dining. The most popular dish on the menu currently is a whole baked camembert with bagel chips. The menu is changed to reflect seasonal produce and meat comes from the local butcher and a nearby allotment supplies much of the fresh vegetables. Victoria is the beer expert and the pub always has a wide selection of Adnams ales including seasonal specials.

Best Newcomer

The Oyster Inn, Butley

Since taking over the pub 18 months ago Sean and Laura have introduced food to the pub- with a focus on local produce and game. The pub is a haven for walkers with dogs always welcome and an open fire burning throughout the winter. The pub has also become known for live music in the evenings. Laura the landlady even takes to the mike herself with her fantastic singing talent. Plans to develop the pub haven’t stopped either with plans in development to have a campsite at the back of the pub in time for next summer.

Overall Winner

The Cock Inn, Clare

The pub was felt by the judges to be the best all round experience for customers and had fantastically dedicated and customer focused tenants. The pub has been transformed over the last 18 months and is welcoming to both locals and visitors.