VisitEngland honours the great English pub
VisitEngland has honoured the ‘Great English Pub’ by dedicating the Enjoy England Excellence award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism, to the industry.
While previous winners of the award include Sir Paul McCartney, HM the Queen and the Harry Potter films, VisitEngland voted this year to reward the English pub for the ‘integral part they play in the fabric of the English way of life and the opportunity they provide for domestic and international visitors to meet local people and enjoy local foods and drink’.
Actor and publican Neil Morrissey (pictured right with comedian Michael McIntyre and Lady Cobham, VisitEngland chairman), who accepted the award on behalf of the pub industry, said British publicans did a huge amount of work in supporting local tourism.
“I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of everyone who loves their local pub and loves visiting pubs as they travel around the country,” he said. “Pubs are important. Having restored a pub myself at the centre of a village I really believe they are the heart and soul of communities and the place that should offer the best welcome to visitors.”
The award comes just days after industry bodies hit out at the Chancellor’s decision to increase beer tax by a further 2 per cent, a move the British Beer and Pub Association says ‘condemns thousands more (pubs) to shut for good’.
Lady Cobham said: “The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence recognise the rising quality and diversity of holiday experiences on offer in England. We are proud to honour the people behind those outstanding tourism businesses who play a vital role in encouraging visitors to holiday in England.”
Other hospitality businesses awarded include Gidleigh Park in Devon for Hotel of the Year; Augill Castle in Cumbria for Bed and Breakfast of the Year; and The Pipe & Glass Inn in Yorkshire who received the Taste of England award.
