Anglian Country Inns win coveted Best Premium Food Offer at The Publican Awards

The family-run group which owns two pubs in Brancaster Staithe has won one of the most prestigious awards in the hospitality industry.

Owners of The White Horse and The Jolly Sailors, Anglian Country Inns (ACI), which has seven other establishments in East Anglia, won the coveted Best Premium Food Offer at The Publican Awards.

These awards are considered to be the Oscars of the pub world and ACI fought off impressive competition from the some of the best operators in the country, including Seafood Pub Company, Brassiere Blanc and Bel & The Dragon.

The award recognises ACI’s inspiring menus, award-winning sustainability credentials and excellent training. Judges commended them on their “Eat Better Ethos” which runs through the whole company. This includes sourcing of the best local produce with long-standing producer partnerships and educating customers in healthy eating with nutritionist collaborations.

James Nye, managing director of ACI said: "This is a huge achievement. It wouldn’t be possible without the amazing people we have in our family, our wonderful suppliers and their dedication to creating fantastic food. From sourcing to service, everything we do at ACI is about making people happy through great experiences and it is so rewarding for everyone to be acknowledged at this highest level."

The White Horse in January celebrated being included in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards, and was ranked No 34.

Other independent establishments in the ACI estate includes The Fox at Willian, noted by The Times as one of the best pubs with rooms, and The Farmhouse at Redcoats, which recently secured AA 4 Star Hotel and 2 AA Rosettes and won the 4 Counties Wedding Award 2020.

The Publican Awards are helping to raise money for Pedalling for Pubs 2020, where a bunch of the industry leaders are taking on an epic cycle challenge across Jordan to raise money for Only a Pavement Away. James Nye has taken up this challenge as part of the company’s commitment to supporting good causes.