Michael Ibbotson, who runs the Durham Ox in York, was named Publican of the Year last night at the 20th Publican Awards.
Ibbotson, who has run the Ox for over 10 years, picked up his award in front of more than 1,200 guests at the glamorous ceremony, which hails the pub industry’s finest, at the Grosvenor House hotel in London.
Judges were impressed with his “outstanding track record at the Durham Ox”, and his “confidence in the pub trade” by launching two new venues.
Other big winners on the night were London brewer and pub operator Fuller’s, which picked up the Managed Pub Company and Regional Brewer of the Year awards.
Meanwhile, Martson’s was named the Tenanted & Leased Pub Company of the Year.
The awards, which were hosted by comedian and TV presenter Dara O’Briain, took place during the week that the The Publican merged with the Morning Advertiser to form the Publican’s Morning Advertiser.
Charles Reed, group managing director of parent company, William Reed Business Media, said: “This event is quite rightly held in high regard because it celebrates the success of, and provides recognition for, the sector’s top companies and licensees.”
Winner of Freehouse of the Year was Driftwood Spars in St Agnes, Cornwall, while the Cask Pub & Kitchen in London’s Pimlico was named as the Tenanted & Leased Pub of the Year.
The Multiple Operator of the Year (2-19 outlets) was Renaissance Pubs, the company, which is headed by Tom Peake, Mark Reynolds and Nick Fox, and operates five pubs in London.
The Shibden Mill Inn in West Yorkshire was named Food pub of the Year, while Steve Smith of the Freemasons in Wiswell, Lancashire, picked up the Newcomer of the Year awards.
The awards were sponsored by Booker, Brakes, Budweiser Budvar; CPL Training, Diageo Raise the Bar; Kuehne+Nagel, Makro, Morgan’s Spiced, Playboy Energy Drink, PRS for Music, Stowford Press Cider, Turbo Drinks Company, and Walkers.
