And the winner of the Best Smoking Area is ...
Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 10:50 Enjoyable evening at the Morning Advertiser's Great British Pub Awards on Thursday.
This annual event attracts 700-800 guests, many of them publicans determined to make the most of a rare night off work.
I arrived via another drinks party so I didn't throw myself at the free booze (cocktails, wine, beer, champagne) with quite the same enthusiasm as some other guests.
The event began with a drinks reception followed by dinner, after dinner entertainment, and then the awards themselves which were compered by comedian Jason Manford.
Forest's interest in the Great British Pub Awards goes back three years when we were invited to support one of 15 awards. Originally called Best Creative Outdoor Area, the Best Smoking Area is supported jointly by JTI and the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign.
A couple of months ago I helped select the finalists for Best Smoking Area and representatives of the six pubs we chose were subsequently invited to join us on our tables at the big event.
We also invited an eclectic group that included a political researcher, a journalist and a blogger. Our principal guest, however, was Lindsay Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley and Deputy Speaker since 2010.
Lindsay presented the Best Smoking Area award and I can report that the recipient was The Royal Oak in Keithley Keighley, West Yorkshire. (I can also report that The Royal Oak was the unanimous choice of the judges.)
The event was still going strong when I made my excuses and left at 12.30. We all agreed it would be a great idea to organise a party at The Royal Oak to celebrate its success.
Watch this space.
See: Great British Pub Awards 2012 (Morning Advertiser)
For pictures click here.
Reader Comments (3)
Picture link not working.
Er, that's Keighley, Simon.
I thought it looked odd when I wrote it!
Picture link sorted, thanks.