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The The Pub Awards celebrate the people, businesses and organisations doing exceptional work. Explore the categories and help recognise someone shaping the future through their achievement, leadership and impact.
Freehouse of the Year Award
Independent, characterful and run with pride.
About this category
This award recognises an independently owned freehouse whose drinks range, atmosphere, welcome and business performance stand out. Judges look for character, quality and how the owner uses their freedom to make the pub special.
Eligibility
Open to UK freehouses not tied to a pub company or brewery.
Judging criteria
- Character and atmosphere
- Drinks range and quality
- Welcome
- Business performance
- Investment
Qualitative criteria
A pub with a personality of its own.
Metrics
- Trade trend
- Drinks range
- Reviews
- Events and investment made
Additional criteria
Entries should include a short description of the pub, photographs where helpful, supporting figures such as trade, covers, events or reviews, and, where possible, comments from regulars. Figures can be given as ranges and nothing in an entry is shared beyond the judging panel. Every entry should show a commitment to responsible serving. Judges consider the size, setting and ownership of every pub, so a single room village local competes on equal terms with a large town centre pub or a small group.
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