Full Story

4th April 2011

Hook Norton tenants race to golden success.

Hook Norton – a local brewer and employer with a national reputation - has rewarded its most outstanding tenants at a celebration day held at Stratford Race Course on 1 April

The Hooky Gold Awards raise standards across the company’s pubs, which are run as independent businesses by tenant licensees.
The programme of awards is part of Hook Norton’s programme of continuing excellence, which provides ongoing business support for its tenants.

The Hooky Gold Awards categories include: Pub of the Year Award 2010, Best Kept Cellar, Pub with Best Exterior, Best Website, Charity Fundraising Pub of the Year, Best Beer and Food Pairing, Best New Licensee and Highest Scoring Cask Marque Pub.

Hook Norton Managing Director James Clarke said: “As a family brewer, it is important we support the independent businesses running our pubs, which between them generate hundreds of jobs across the region.
“The Hooky Gold Awards recognise the high standards and commitment our tenants have, and helps them ensure their customers are happy customers.”

Hooky Gold Award winners:

Pub of the Year Award 2010
Winner: Kings Head, Napton, Roger Constable & Julie Smith

Best Kept Cellar
Winner: Eagle Tavern, Witney, Ian Payne & Annette Hegerty.
Highly Commended: Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, Tony and Dorothy Puddifoot and Gate Inn, Brailes, Peter and Cathy Wixey

Pub with Best Exterior
Winner: Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, Tony & Dorothy Puddifoot.
Highly Commended: Elephant & Castle, Bloxham, Simon Finch and Bell Inn, Adderbury, John and Trisha Bellinger

Best Website
Winner: Great Western Arms, Blockley, Sharon Brace

Charity Fundraising Pub of the Year
Winner: Bell Inn, Great Bourton, Frank and Freya Adams.
Highly Commended: Hare and Hounds, Wardington, Carol Wixey and Jamie Murray and Bell Inn, Adderbury, John and Trisha Bellinger

Best Beer and Food Pairing
Winner: Great Western Arms, Blockley, Sharon Brace.
Highly Commended: The Sun, Hook Norton, Mike Howe and Amber Wheatley and Red Lion, Steeple Aston, Melvin and Sarah Phipps

Best New Licensee
Winner: White Swan, Wigginton, Kirsty Riddell & Philip Kingston

Highest Scoring Cask Marque Pub
Winner: The Bell Inn, Adderbury, John & Trisha Bellinger.
Highly Commended: Kings Head, Napton, Roger Constable and Julie Smith, Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, Tony and Dorothy Puddifoot.

Source: Hook Norton Brewery