BUTCOMBE Brewing Co is raising a glass after scooping a prized accolade at this year’s Publican Awards.

The brewery and pub group which looks after the Quarrymans Arms and the Methuen Arms in Corsham; the Bear Inn in Cirencester and the Horse and Groom in Malmesbury won Best Managed Pub Company last month.

It has been an extraordinary 12 months for the company, that managed the challenges posed by the pandemic while acquiring 21 sites, adding 140 rooms and over 800 new covers to its estate.

Alongside this expansion the group has also embarked on an extensive program of refurbishment and upgrades and a substantial investment in outside areas providing safe and secure eating and dining areas.

Jayson Perfect, group managing director, said: “To win Best Managed Pub Company at these prestigious awards is such an honour and pays testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in the business - from the teams at our pubs, head offices, breweries and distribution centres.

"This year has obviously been incredibly challenging and we’ve often had to react to circumstances quickly, change direction and think on our feet.

"But one thing has never changed, and that’s our passion for what we do and our dedication to providing our guests with the very best hospitality around.”

Comedian Ed Gamble hosted the Publican virtual awards ceremony which celebrates the industry's very best on Tuesday, March 30.

For almost three decades the Publican Awards has recognised excellence in the pub and bar trade.

Considered to be the Oscars of the hospitality industry, this year’s awards were fiercely contested and Butcombe Brewing Co fought off impressive competition from some of the UK's best operators.

Ed Bedington, Judge at The Publican Awards, said: “The Publican Awards are the benchmark of excellence for the hospitality trade, and Butcombe should be rightly proud of their success in the competition.

"It’s an event that attracts the best in the business and to finish top is quite the achievement.

"I’d like to pay tribute to the team there and I hope they enjoy their well-deserved win.”

The Publican Awards’ judging process remains one of the most comprehensive, rigorous and reputable in the industry, ensuring that the competition remains the most respected in the pub trade as well as guaranteeing that all awards are given fairly and deservedly.