What a year it's been!

We've had Cask Marque for some time, because our cask ales are SO good, but nothing could have prepared us for what lay ahead this year.

MAY 2011

British Institute of Innkeeping's Licensees of the Year 2011 - FINALISTS!

In a competition open to all publicans around the country, Mark & Hayley are over the moon to have made it to the final 4 of this year's search for the Licensee's of the Year.

As well as being quizzed on a wide range of topics, Mark & Hayley were interviewed by 12 leading figures from the industry, focussing on trade matters, recruitment, staff training and development as well as marketing and business development.

"We are deeply proud of reaching the finals, an achievement that would have been impossible had it not been for our wonderful team.  Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Darran & Caroline Lingley of the Five Bells at Colne Engaine, Essex who won this year's competition and wish them every success.  Whilst we are not in this trade for the awards, it is always wonderful to be recognised for your efforts."

 SEPTEMBER 2011

Great British Pub Awards

BEST TENANTED / LEASED PUB IN BRITAIN  - WINNERS!

At a glittering awards ceremony held at The London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane (Yes that one), Mark & Hayley were awarded one of the most prestigious awards of the year.

 The Great British Pub Awards are presented by The Publican's Morning Advertiser, the largest circulating and most important publication covering the licensed trade.

After being encouraged by our performance at the BII awards, we submitted our rather full and frank entry form and waited nervously until we were contacted by the newspaper, congratulating us for winning the award for the Best Tenanted / Leased Pub in the Southwest.  This lead to being interviewed by a journalist from the newspaper and being shortlisted for the national award against other regional finalists... then being invited to the awards dinner and being told in front of 600 guests and key figures from the industry, that we run one of the BEST PUBS IN BRITAIN.

                                                                      Mark & Hayley Foster