Andover Arms Wins Pub of the Year Competition
Brackenbury pub awarded Fuller's Griffin Trophy
Staff at the Andover Arms in Brackenbury Village are preparing to party after winning London brewer's Fuller, Smith & Turner's annual Pub of the Year competition, The Griffin Trophy.
The Andover Arms, run by lessee Tom Gavaghan since October 2007 and manager Victoria de Polo, won the top prize ahead of 386 other Fuller’s pubs for being the epitome of a truly great English pub.
Tom and Victoria receive their prize from Chairman Michael Turner
The result was announced at a ceremony held in the Board Room at the Company's world-famous Griffin Brewery in Chiswick on Thursday, November 6, 2014.
The prize for the winning pub comprises a £5,000 holiday, a staff party, an engraved plaque and the coveted Griffin Trophy itself.
Fuller's Chairman, Michael Turner, said: "I am delighted to be presenting the Griffin Trophy to Tom and the team at The Andover Arms.
" Tom and his manager, Victoria, keep an exceptional bar as well as running a fantastic kitchen. Due to their hard work, intuitive foresight and creativity, it truly is no surprise that this pub has achieved Master Cellarman status this year and has recently been voted the second best restaurant in the capital on Trip Advisor – ahead of some of the City's most famous Michelin starred eateries. So, if you're looking for a top-quality range of beers and a mouth-watering food offer this is certainly a place to seek out.
" It is a meeting point for the local community and visitors to the area who enjoy the light hearted and friendly atmosphere. It has retained its original charm and 1890’s style while moving forward with current times with modern decor, delicious menus and excellent range of cask ales."
Tom Gavaghan, lessee of The Andover Arms, in Aldensley Road, said: " This is a fantastic surprise. A pub is nothing without its people so I would like to thank all my customers who have supported the pub over the years and especially my wonderful staff, who make the pub what it is.
"I’d like to share this award with all my team, however, this win is largely down to my amazing general manager, Vicki, and I cannot thank her enough for everything she does for The Andover Arms."
November 14, 2014