National Recognition For Trio Of Shepherd Neame Pubs

Three Shepherd Neame pubs have been shortlisted as finalists in this year’s Great British Pub Awards.

They were chosen from hundreds of pubs from across the UK that entered the prestigious national competition, which has been running for more than a decade.

The Compasses

The Compasses in Crundale near Canterbury is one of six shortlisted for Best Food Pub. Husband and wife team Rob and Donna Taylor took on The Compasses in 2013. Donna looks after front-of-house while Rob works as head chef, and his food has already received a host of accolades, including Kent Life Food and Drink Awards Winner 2015; Waitrose Good Food Guide 2015 and Harden’s UK Restaurant Guide 2015. He has also just gone through to the semi-finals of the 2016 National Chef of the Year Competition, and last month, the Compasses won Tenanted Pub of the Year in the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards 2016.

The Kings Head

The Kings Head in Wye is among six shortlisted for Best Partnership Pub. Scott Richardson and Mark Lightford have been running the Kings Head, Wye since 2012. It was their first pub, and during the past four years they have transformed the business into a popular and stylish destination to eat, drink and stay. They have become particularly renowned for their excellent food, most recently being named as a finalist for the Kent Dining Pub of the Year category in the Taste of Kent Awards 2016, and winning the Restaurant of the Year award in the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards 2016.

The Grove Ferry Riverside Pub and Inn

The Grove Ferry Riverside Pub and Inn in Upstreet near Canterbury is among five shortlisted for Best Managed Pub. Situated in the picturesque Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve on the banks of the Great Stour river, the Grove Ferry has been operated by the Yummy Pub Co. since 2009, headed up by Tim Foster, Anthony Pender and Jason Rowland. The inn underwent a major refurbishment project last year, with new additions including a taproom, open and garden bar. Its six bedrooms have been redecorated, along with the large riverside Boathouse function room.

Shepherd Neame’s director of retail and tenanted operations, Nigel Bunting, said:

We are very proud that our pubs continue to be recognised at a national level. Our licensees and managers work hard with their teams to offer a distinctive customer experience. It is great to see their efforts celebrated by industry experts.

The national winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane on October 5, 2016.