Northumberland-based pub operator retains national Publican Awards accolade

The Inn Collection Group team, with comedian Rob Beckett, collect their award.

The Northumberland-based company was named best pub employer of up to 500 employees at the prestigious awards hosted by top comedian Rob Beckett.

Managing director Sean Donkin said: “It’s phenomenal to win what we truly believe is the most important award of the night for a second year running and that we’re continuing to punch above our weight as being the best pub company in the country to work for.

“For us, it’s all about developing champions in our industry, across all areas of our pubs with rooms operations. We invest massively in recruiting, building our team and supporting people to build hospitality careers. Picking up this award for a second year on the run is an amazing achievement and a testament to each and every member of our The Inn Collection Group dream team.”

The company operates the Lindisfarne Inn at Beal, Bamburgh Castle Inn at Seahouses and the Hog’s Head at Alnwick, The Amble Inn at Amble and Commissioner’s Quay in Blyth.

The firm, which also has pubs in County Durham, Yorkshire and the Lake District and is building a new 40-bedroom inn at Seaburn, Sunderland, was also a finalist in the Best Accommodation Operator category.

The Alchemy-backed group impressed the judges with its Innspiration training academy, chef development pathway, benefits and reward system for staff and commitment to improving staff wellbeing.

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises he awards, said: “This is the 29th year we’ve run these awards and the competition is always intense, which is great to see. The standards within the companies that make up the shortlisted finalists are outstanding and it was a real pleasure to be part of the judging process.

“The event is the leading awards in the sector and, as a result they’re not easy to win – it’s a robust judging process and companies have to work really hard to see success in the awards. I’d like to praise all our winners for doing such a fantastic job in a very tough battle.”