Agenda | Tuesday 19 September 2023

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Doors Open
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Beer Masterclass A: Understanding modern IPA beer styles

Session A: Beer sommelier Neil Walker talks through three popular IPA styles, their unique aromas, flavours and appearances - and how you should describe them to your customers.

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Best Pub Chef Cook-Offs

Live cook-offs to determine the winner of the Best Young Pub Chef category

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Cocktail Masterclass A: Shaking up your drinks offering with Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio Tequila was born out of passion and authenticity. In 1942 Don Julio Gonzales began his journey to revolutionise the tequila industry. Join the UK Brand Ambassador as we explore incredible agave cocktails and how best to pair this spirit in your venues.

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Wine Masterclass A: Looking at sparkling wine from an on-trade perspective

Selling sparkling wine in a pub is a vital revenue stream many licensees may be missing out on, this masterclass will showcase the varieties you need to stock and why.

Booker drinks development controller, Jason Kelk, and Moet Hennesy UK’s brand ambassador William Sharpley will host a tasting of five sparkling wines, discussing the serves in detail and looking at the category as a whole from an on-trade perspective.

Featuring a variety of sparkling wines from across the globe, the talk will also highlight food pairings, tasting notes and profit margins within the category.

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Food Service

Dinner from an exciting choice of street food stands

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Beer Masterclass B: Understanding modern IPA beer styles

Session B: Beer sommelier Neil Walker talks through three popular IPA styles, their unique aromas, flavours and appearances - and how you should describe them to your customers.

-
Cocktail Masterclass B: Shaking up your drinks offering with Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio Tequila was born out of passion and authenticity. In 1942 Don Julio Gonzales began his journey to revolutionise the tequila industry. Join the UK Brand Ambassador as we explore incredible agave cocktails and how best to pair this spirit in your venues.

-
Wine Masterclass B: Looking at sparkling wine from an on-trade perspective

Selling sparkling wine in a pub is a vital revenue stream many licensees may be missing out on, this masterclass will showcase the varieties you need to stock and why.

Booker drinks development controller, Jason Kelk, and Moet Hennesy UK’s brand ambassador William Sharpley will host a tasting of five sparkling wines, discussing the serves in detail and looking at the category as a whole from an on-trade perspective.

Featuring a variety of sparkling wines from across the globe, the talk will also highlight food pairings, tasting notes and profit margins within the category.

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Comedian: Alex Boardman

A hilarious stand-up comedy set from local comedian Alex Boardman

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Awards Presentation

The big awards presentation will see this year's winners crowned

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Post-Awards Entertainment

A huge variety of post-awards entertainment will ensue, giving guests a great opportunity to network with peers

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Carriages

Words from the winners...

“Winning such a prestigious award brings great attention from every corner of the country and we know, in winning, that we become the custodians of a very special prize and must live up to the high standards expected as a winner of such a coveted award. Our award has helped us shine a great light on the strength of the rural pub in the UK and we are very honoured indeed to have been able to do this for others to follow.”

Winner: Great British Pub of the Year 2023

Tim Bird and Mary Mclaughlin Owners The Cholmondeley Arms

"I've been here for almost 11 years and put so much hard work and money into the business so it's a great feeling for these efforts to pay off. To be up against some of the big companies in the industry and win shows how far we've come as an outlet. I couldn't have been prouder of myself and the team."

Winner: Best Pub to Watch Sport 2023

Justine Bedford The Royal Dyche

"The overall event was amazing. The Rose and Crown also won an award which meant so much to us as a community, local produce suppliers and most of all the staff, who work amazingly hard which is why we won an award. Following on from this the business will only benefit through winning the award."

Winner: Marston's Pub of the Year 2023

Andrew Goodall Owner Rose & Crown

"We won the award in September, just as the garden was starting to wind down after the summer but we have seen a lot of function and wedding bookings come in for this summer - all of which are keen to have a garden party vibe. We are already pretty much fully booked for weddings this year and are now taking bookings for 2025."

Winner: Best Pub Garden 2023

Sarah and Simon Colquhoun The Gaggle of Geese

"We were extremely proud to be able to support our community during such a difficult time last year and receiving this recognition for our efforts was the icing on the cake. In the 4 weeks after opening, we finished 50% up on sales compared with the same period in 2019, demonstrating the impact this investment had on the business."

Winner: Feeding the Community 2020

Phil Davison Owner The Fox at Peasemore

"It was an amazing day. Our team absolutely loved it. We're already thinking of new ideas to get us into the next one!"

Winner: Best Pub for Dogs 2023

Heather Porter-Brandwood The Bellflower

"We were incredibly proud to be recognised by such a prestigious award after the most challenging of periods in our industries history. Winning gave our team a much needed morale boost, our customers drew confidence in knowing that the venue had bounced back to be at the top of its game and agencies such as Arts Council England, The Mayor of London and our local Council were reminded of the vital contribution our venue makes to our diverse community."

Winner: Best Late Night Entertainment Pub 2021

Ken Wright The Phoenix Arts Club