In March 2018, The George Inn at Lacock triumphed in the Wiltshire Life Awards Pub of the Year category. We talk to manager Chris Bryett about what makes this pub a worthy winner.
Think your local is worthy of a Wiltshire Life Award? Then click here to nominate them for the 2019 Awards!
First Place: The George Inn, Lacock
Manager Chris Bryett describes The George Inn at Lacock as a “well-oiled and well-drilled machine”, which increased turnover by 12% in 2017. They call their customers ‘guests’ and market themselves creatively with open mic nights, wine and dine evenings, quizzes, gin masterclasses, live music, festivals and fundraisers.
They support the local cricket and soccer teams and have darts and skittles teams too. Food and drink is of the highest quality and there’s a vast array of boutique gins on offer, an extensive wine list and award-winning cask ales.
Chris Bryett says: “To ensure our guests have an amazing experience every time they walk through the door, we have to think on our feet and think outside of the box, as well as delivering the best service and providing the very best quality product. We like to think of ourselves as creative, always marketing the next event to entice our locale and those even further afield.
“I am proudest when our guests say, ‘I had a wonderful time, I will be back,’ and my team says, ‘Really enjoyed today, see you tomorrow’.”
Pay a visit to The George Inn.
Second place: The Greyhound, Bromham
The Greyhound in Bromham used to rely on its restaurant, but new landlords Danny and Tara Adams set about creating a ‘village pub’, with a contemporary refurbishment where dogs are welcome.
To promote conviviality a bar table has been reserved where you can sit with others. You’ll find a 25ft well in the restaurant, where Danny presents locally sourced food using top quality ingredients, including fresh fish delivered from Cornwall. They support community events such as the summer carnival and sponsor the ‘pudding run’ at Christmas.
Third place: The Woolpack, Sutton Veny
In 2006, The Woolpack in Sutton Veny closed its doors for what villagers thought was the last “time”, so when chefs Tim and Abbie Smith purchased the freehold and reopened in 2009, they received “amazing support”. Tim cooks locally sourced produce, with fresh fish six days a week and game from local shoots when in season.
You’ll find the pub in foodie guides such as Sawday’s and The Michelin Guide. Warm and welcoming with polite staff, the pub is also a meeting place for single elderly people.
Pay a visit to The Woolpack.
You can find out more about all the 2018 winners by clicking here.