Oakman Inns, the multiple operator led by Peter Borg-Neal, has been awarded Two Stars by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), an upgrade form the One Star it earned last year.
Seven Oakman Inns underwent independent examination by the SRA across 14 key focus areas related to society, sourcing and environment.
The group scored 15% higher in the overall ratings across its sites winning Oakman Inns a second star in the second year it has been a member of the SRA.
Oakman Inns’ sustainable seafood sourcing policy, which guarantees they only serve seasonal wild fish and seafood caught in British waters and landed in British ports, scored it highly in the sourcing category.
Its use of organic and biodynamic wines and serving tea, coffee and sugars that are always Fair Trade certified also scored highly. The group was given an ‘excellent’ score for its use of ethical meat & dairy for sourcing free range British meat and purchasing British milk and eggs.
Mark Linehan, managing director of the SRA, said: “Oakman Inns are a fantastic example of a pub and restaurant group that fully appreciate their responsibility to operate sustainably and see it not as a hindrance to profitability but a key driver, recognising increasing consumer demand. What’s even more pleasing is that Oakman understand that this is a journey and they are clearly committed to improving year on year.”
The SRA also noted its introduction of bee-friendly plants, working closely with suppliers for efficient delivery systems, improvements in food waste management – which saw a 56% overall improvement – all contributed to the group earning a second star.
Oakman Inns’ estate includes The Akeman, Tring; the Red Lion, Water End and the Kings Arms, Berkhamsted; The Old Post Office, Wallingford, The Blue Boar, Witney and The Crown & Thistle, Abingdon; The Beech House, Beaconsfield and The Cook & Fillet, near Aylesbury.
