Fast-growing brewing, pub and restaurant group Bath Ales has won a coveted national award in recognition of the breadth of its expanding portfolio of venues.
The firm landed the Best Managed Pub Company (two-50 sites) accolade at the prestigious Publican’s Morning Advertiser awards last night.
Bath Ales, based at Warmley near Bristol, owns 12 venues across the South West in a number of different styles ranging from Bristol’s craft beer bar Beerd, The Wellington in Horfield and Graze Bar, Brasserie and Chophouse in Queen Square.
It recently opened two café/bars at Bristol’s Colston Hall music venue following a major refurbishment.
The prestigious Publican’s Morning Advertiser awards recognise genuine quality and innovation in the brewing industry and pub trade. The awards were presented at a ceremony and dinner at London's Grosvenor House Hotel attended by 1,300 guests.
Bath Ales' Graze restaurant in Bath was shortlisted in the Best New Pub/Bar category.
Bath Ales managing director Robin Couling said: “To be recognised with this national award is fantastic and it’s hugely rewarding to see our hard work being acknowledged.
“We pride ourselves on striving to be the best and to implement excellent standards in all areas of the business from staff training and customer service though to our food and drink offer and retail standards.
“The ethos we live by is to always delight and challenge our customers and exceed their expectations – we don’t believe that one size fits all so we tailor our venues accordingly.”
Competition was tough as Bath Ales was up against well-established industry players such as Liberation Group and Provenance Inns.
Robin, who collected the award from comedian John Bishop at the gala dinner, added: “This year is going to be a very big one for Bath Ales. Our Colston Hall venues have been very well received, and we’re going to continue developing our ambitious plans for brewery expansion this year as well.”
Rob Wilock, group editor of PMA Group, which organises the awards, commented: “The Publican Awards is the premier event in the pub industry’s calendar.
“The judging process remains unapologetically onerous and rigorous. Entering the awards is not something to be done lightly – but if you win, you can be sure you deserve the accolade.
“All our winners are driving their businesses forward with energy and passion. We congratulate Bath Ales.”
Bath Ales transformed Colston Hall's first-floor restaurant into a charcuterie bar called Gordito, while the lower level café bar has become the Colston Street Bar & Kitchen with a menu drawn from modern American and European influences.
Pictured, from left: Compere John Bishop, Bath Ales managing director Robin Couling, executive chef Alice Bowyer, area manager Phil Brown, retail HR manager Stacey Day and Andy Dixon, from category sponsor Kenco Millicano
