29th May 2009

Local Hooky pubs scoop gold awards

Hook Norton – a local brewer and employer with a national reputation - has rewarded its most outstanding tenants at a celebration evening held at Heythrop Park Hotel.
The Hooky Gold Awards raise standards across the North Oxfordshire company’s 47 pubs, all of which are run as independent businesses by tenant licensees.

The programme of awards is part of Hook Norton’s programme of continuing excellence, which provides ongoing business support for the tenants.
Hooky Gold Awards categories include: Best Kept Exterior, Best Kept Cellar, Best Alfresco Experience, Best New Licensees, Charity Fundraising Pub of the Year, Best Website, and Highest Scoring Cask Marque Pub.

Hook Norton Managing Director James Clarke said: “As a family brewer, it is important we support the 47 independent businesses running our pubs, which between them generate hundreds of jobs across the region.
The Hooky Gold Awards recognise the high standards and commitment our tenants have, and helps them ensure their customers are happy customers.”

The winners in full:

Best Kept Exterior – sponsored by Carlsberg
Winner: Simon Finch, Elephant & Castle, Bloxham, Oxfordshire
The winners received the Ian Gilchrist Memorial Salver, a certificate and £200.

Best Kept Cellar – sponsored by Inbev
Winner: Nick & Hilary Holt, Cherington Arms, Cherington, Warwickshire
The winners received the Bill Clarke Memorial Salver, a certificate and £200

Best Alfresco Experience – sponsored by Coors Brewers
Winners: Pete & Cathy Wixey, Gate Inn, Brailes, Oxfordshire
The winners receive a plaque, a certificate and £200.

Best New Licensees – sponsored by Heath Lambert
Winner:  Frank & Freya Adams, Bell Inn, Great Bourton, Oxfordshire
The Winner received a plaque, certificate and £200

Charity Fundraising Pub of the Year – sponsored by Westons Cider
Winner: Rebecca Ridgway, Red Lion, Albion Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
The Winner received a plaque, certificate and £200

Best Website – sponsored by Heddleworths Amusements
Winner: Mark Higgs, Carpenters Arms, Lower Boddington, Northamptonshire
The Winner will received a plaque, certificate and £200

Highest Scoring Cask Marque Pub – sponsored by Diageo
Winner: John & Trisha Bellinger, Bell Inn, Adderbury, Oxfordshire
The winners received the David Clarke Memorial Tankard, a certificate and £200