Punch Pubs & Co. hosted their National Publican of the Year Awards a few weeks ago to celebrate their top Publicans and Management Partners from an estate of over 1,300 pubs.
The evening was a grand affair, held at their Burton-On-Trent headquarters, fondly described as ‘their Public House’, which was transformed into a stunning venue to welcome and serve their deserving guests during an incredible night of celebration.
Throughout the evening, the anticipation was palpable as Punch’s industry-leading Publicans and Management Partners passionately competed for ten awards, including Best Drinks Offer, Best Newcomer, Best Pub Entertainment and Sport, Best Food Offer and their prestigious Publican(s) of the Year 2024.
After months of thorough planning, the evening celebration began with bubbles and a canape reception served by the Punch Exec team, led by former CEO Clive Chesser and newly appointed CEO Andy Spencer. This was followed by a three-course dinner, meticulously curated and served by the Punch team in an extravagantly decorated marquee.
The awards were hosted by TV star Mark Durden-Smith, who was joined onstage by Clive and Andy, who announced each of the awards.
During opening speeches, Clive took the opportunity to thank Punch’s Publicans and MPs present for their support throughout his time with Punch as he embarked on his final weeks as CEO before moving away from the business on the 26th of September.
He said: “I am pleased to welcome back some familiar faces from last year, and equally pleased, but not surprised to see many new faces here this year. It’s always a joy and a source of immense pride to visit our pubs and meet the fantastic people we have in the finals of these awards.
“Having the pleasure of knowing many of you and your pubs, I share the view with my fellow judges that everyone sat in this room epitomises the true spirit of hospitality, and each of you runs a pub at the very heart of the communities they thrive within.”
After their eight category winners were announced and celebrated, Andy Spencer was honoured to reveal the night’s biggest winners. This year, Richard Gordon and Sonya Harvey of The Red Lion pub in Cranford took home the ultimate crown as Punch Pubs & Co’s Publicans of the Year 2024.
During the announcement, Andy Spencer commemorated Richard and Sonya’s remarkable ability to adapt, grow and thrive through any challenge and praised their brilliance. He said: “The winner for this evening is a shining example of excellence in the hospitality industry. They are the proud leaders of a business that delivers an exceptional experience for their guests and stands as a beacon of inspiration for all of us.
“They not only work collaboratively with their teams but also nurture and mentor them, treating them as an extension of their own family. Their passion for developing talent and creating a sense of belonging is truly heartwarming.”
As Richard and Sonya made their way to the stage, the room of 300 guests erupted into a round of applause and celebration, with fellow industry stars, guests, and Punch people taking to their feet to join in the applause.
Once the award-giving was complete, guests were welcomed to continue the celebrations on the dancefloor, where they were entertained by the live band TwentyOne Events.
Punch Publican of the Year Awards 2024 – Winners
National Publicans of the Year – Richard Gordon & Sonya Harvey – The Red Lion, Cranford
Regional Finalists – Beth Robinson – The Beeswing, Northallerton
Chris Wood – The Bounty, Basingstoke
Bonnie Martin – The Three Horse Shoes, High Wycombe
Richard Gordon & Sonya Harvey – The Red Lion, Cranford
Best Pub Entertainment & Sport – Bernard & Carol Ross – The Simms Cross, Widnes
Best Drinks Offer – Matt Cullen & Joseph Keegan – The Wollaton Pub and Kitchen, Nottingham
Best Newcomer – Shelley Wood – The Waterford Arms, Whitley Bay
Best Food Offer – Tom & Lara Trubshaw – The Peterville Inn, St Agnes
Community Pub of the Year – Laura Hughes & Ryan Morris – The Redmore, Rugeley
Punch Promise Award – Beth Robinson – The Beeswing, North Allerton
Best Locals Pub – Will & Emma Gilmartin – The Crown, Accrington
Best Fireside Pub – Shona & Rick Bailey – The New Chimneys, Ashford