Barley Mow owners win top national award

Seafood Pub Company managing director Joycelyn Neve and executive chef Antony Shirley were among more than 1,300 leading figures from the pub industry at the Grosvenor Hotel to discover the winners of The Publican Awards’ 19 categories.

The company was one of five pub groups vying for the Best Food Offers award at the London event.

An extensive judging process for the award included site visits, food tastings and an overnight stay by judge and restaurant magazine editor Stefan Chomka as well as an interview in London.

The Publican Awards are recognised as the biggest in the pub industry and celebrate the achievements of leading pub companies in a range of categories.

The Best Food Offer is awarded to a company delivering a successful food offer across their estate with food a key part of the company’s total sales.

Judges were impressed with the Seafood Pub Company’s passion for developing innovative, affordable dining experiences in relaxed but stylishly contemporary venues across Lancashire, the latest one being the refurbished Barley Mow.

“It was an incredible honour to be named the winners of such a tough category in front of some highly respected figures from the pub industry,” said Joycelyn.

“It is a reward for all of our hard working team of seafood soldiers who are committed to delivering the highest level of service to our customers each and every time they visit.”

Antony added: “Our food offering is something we are really proud of; never standing still when it comes to developing our menus and offering customers exciting new dishes alongside their old favourites.

“We are delighted our passion using the highest quality, seasonal ingredients to create innovative menus has been recognised by such a prestigious national award.”

Joycelyn won a second award on the night when she was named the Sky Glamcam most glamorous woman at the event.

She will now enjoy a day in Sky’s box at Ascot later this year.