The finalists have been announced for the Pub of the Year award, sponsored by Everard Cole, at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023.
This award recognises pubs that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a food and drink offering that includes quality locally sourced produce.
Here are the finalists for this year's award.
The Angel at Watlington
The Angel is a dining pub located in Watlington, just outside of King’s Lynn in Norfolk.
Since taking over the pub, Emily Phipps and Richard Crouch have focused on a refurbishment programme to give a new look to both the aesthetics of the property and the menu and drinks offer.
Their aim was to create a space where customers can come in to have a drink, dine or just while away the hours in a pleasant and inclusive environment.
The pub has a huge emphasis on the locality of its menu and endeavours to work with local suppliers and support local businesses. It has brilliant working relationships with its butcher and fishmonger, both of whom have been long-established in the local area.
As a family-run business, the pub offers children’s menus and board games in the snug bar. It also has two horses on site at the back of the pub, which children (and adults) like to pet and feed as an added draw.
The judges said The Angel has a “fantastic food offering”, adding that “the atmosphere at the pub is great, and the team members wonderful.”
The Kings Head Bawburgh
The Kings Head is a family-run gastropub and luxury B&B located in the village of Bawburgh, Norfolk.
Owned by Anton Wimmer and his family since 1983, the pub prides itself on offering a warm welcome and a wide range of local ale and wine to enjoy.
Its food and philosophy are firmly rooted in local, seasonal markets, offering an a la carte menu and a creative, regularly changing 48.5-mile menu – with each dish featuring produce from suppliers located within 48.5 miles of the pub.
The Kings Head can host 60 diners in its AA rosette restaurant, with an additional 30 under the heated alfresco area, and even more depending on the weather.
From travelling couples staying in the B&B, which was added eight years ago, to a quick pub lunch or larger tables for birthday celebrations, the pub caters to all. There are also over 20 dedicated seats for drinkers, including the cosy bar area that has recently been added.
The judges said The Kings Head has a great emphasis on the use of local produce with its menu “producing excellent quality food with great presentation”.
They also commended its “very friendly, helpful and welcoming team members”.
The Lion Brasserie
The Lion Brasserie is an 18th century pub located in the Suffolk village of East Bergholt, just north of the Essex border.
Current owner Jonathan Peachey bought the pub in 2014 – when it was called The Red Lion – with plans to turn it into an elegant eatery and destination for both locals and tourists. He closed the pub in 2018 and reopened it in September 2020 after a major refurbishment.
The pub is passionate about sourcing local, sustainable produce. Head chef Ashley Robertson sources fish from West Mersea, meat from John Coleman Butchers in Colchester, and fruit and vegetables from a supplier in nearby Lawford.
It also offers a scheme called ‘Lion Pounds’ to buy its customers’ surplus vegetables and fruits from their personal allotments.
The Lion will soon open four B&B rooms, which will increase turnover to an estimated £1.5-£1.75m. It currently employs 22 people, including one apprentice, and uses an online portal to deliver training and wellbeing resources to employees.
The judges noted the “great location” of the pub and also praised its menu offering. They said the team members are a “great asset in ensuring guests have a great experience”.
The winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023 will be announced at a black-tie event held at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall Hotel, Ipswich, Suffolk on Thursday, March 16.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here