On Wednesday 29 March, at a ceremony hosted by Dara Ó Briain, the winners of this year's Publican Awards were announced. The Publican Awards go back more than three decades and are considered one of the most respected honours in the pub trade. Each year, the judging panel, composed of experts from various backgrounds, picks the most deserving company in each category.
Among this year's winners with a presence in London, BrewDog took home two awards, for Best Pub Brand/Concept and, more significantly for the average punter, for Best New Site for its Waterloo complex. Meanwhile, the Alchemist creative cocktail bar chain took home Best Drinks Offer, while Nightcap, the company behind The Cocktail Club, Tonight Josephine, Bar Elba, Blame Gloria and Barrio, was named Best Late Night Operator. Urban Village Pubs were named Best Community Pub Operator, and Brewhouse & Kitchen the Best Brewing Pub Company.
Other winners included Greene King, Fullers, Smith and Turner, and Barons Pub Company. See the Publican Awards website for more info.