The Spitfire at Kings Hill has been named pub of the year at the annual Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, which were held at Canterbury Rugby Club.
Shepherd Neame pub award winners celebrate
A total of 16 awards were presented at the event, which celebrates exceptional achievement in the teams across an estate of 286 pubs in London and the South East.
The Spitfire was praised for its record-breaking financial performance, outstanding guest experience, and commitment to staff development.
“The core of hospitality is making people feel appreciated and looked after,” said Spitfire deputy manager Jodie Butcher. “When customers come in and we give them ‘the sparkle’, it isn’t just doing a job — we want them to leave feeling valued. No matter what, the customer comes first.”
Tenanted pub of the year is The Coastguard, in St Margaret’s Bay, which is frequently described by its customers as a ‘hidden gem’. It is run for Shepherd Neame by licensee Jim Cleaver, who also runs two other pubs for the brewer. He and his team were praised for their consistently high standards, which had helped build a strong reputation and rising sales.
Managed business of the year is The Duke of Wellington, in Belgravia, London, which, under long-serving general manager Michael Johnson, has seen dramatic improvements in sales during the last year.
The best beer offer award was won by The Mackland Arms, in Rainham, which is popular with regulars and is well known for its well-kept cask ales, including Bishops Finger. Licensee Simon Olley said: “I’m pleased to receive this award, although I’m a little surprised — I simply focus on keeping great beer and doing it properly.”
The outstanding contribution award went to Carol and Kevin James, who will soon be retiring after running The Plough Inn, at Lewson Street, near Faversham, for 14 years. The couple were described in their nomination as delivering ‘passion on a plate’, and receive hundreds of toprated reviews on TripAdvisor every year.
Other award winners were:
- Best accommodation offer: The Woolpack Inn, Chilham
- Best new general manager: Aura Bodian, The White Horse and Bower, Westminster
- Customer service pub of the year: The Kings Arms, Dorking
- Sustainable pub of the year: The Old House at Home, Dormansland
- Heart of the community award: Tim and Lacey Stowell, The Market Inn, Faversham
- Chef of the year: Paul ‘Potter’ Gills, The Horse and Groom, Wilmington
- Best food offer: The Juggs, Lees
- Best wine offer: The Sportsman, Seasalter
- New licensee award: Kevin Curry, The Green Man, Herongate
“While the hospitality industry continues to face challenges, pubs remain vital places where people come together to socialise, celebrate, and connect,” said Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame. “The sector also plays an important role in creating opportunities for young people entering the world of work.
“These awards are a great opportunity to recognise and thank our team members and licensees for their incredible dedication and hard work in delivering exceptional experiences for our customers. Their commitment to their communities is at the heart of everything we do.”
