"The true epitome of a pub" was the unanimous verdict of the judges on the Star Inn at Harome, North Yorkshire, run by last year's winners of the Pub Operator of the Year Catey, Andrew and Jacquie Pern.
The judges were challenged by the Perns' nominator, Steven Doherty, chef-proprietor of the Punch Bowl Inn at Crosthwaite, Cumbria, to "find another operation that epitomises what all food-led pubs should be about".
They couldn't... and duly awarded the Catey to the Perns to make it a unique treble for the couple. The Star Inn scooped the Menu of the Year Catey in 1997, following it up a year later with the Newcomer of the Year accolade.
For all their honours, the couple are still young, and it was their enthusiasm and dedication that stood out for the judges. Previous winner John Vereker, proprietor of the Bell Inn and Hill House in Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex, commented: "They are actively trying to make things better."
The couple's commitment to the local community and staff training were highlighted by the panel. The Perns, the judges heard, sourced supplies such as honey, eggs, game, poultry and beef from the local village, had six members of staff from the local college, and provided in-house training.
Staff were taken out to see all aspects of the catering industry, from the fish quay at Hartlepool to three-Michelin-starred restaurants in London. The Perns "look at the industry, pick things up and take them back", commented judge Annie Schwab, proprietor of Winteringham Fields in Lincolnshire.
Meeting the key requirement of demonstrating a combination of flair and innovation was picked up by judge Andrew Palmer, editor of BII Business. He described the couple as being "astute business people" who widened their sales base, adding two cottages, a shop and rooms to the inn.
The Perns were also strong supporters of local and national charities, the panel heard. Judge Sheila McKenzie, chief executive of the Hartford Group, said the couple's commitment was both "unusual and interesting... they don't just run charity events, they are thoughtful about involving themselves in the community."
Judges' criteria
* The Pub Operator of the Year Catey is open to people who run, own or manage a pub with a strong food element.
* The judges are looking for someone who demonstrates sound business planning and a good grasp of financial matters.
* Flair and innovation are also important - candidates should show imaginative use of resources.
* The winner will be a good host who serves good food, but who also has a commitment to staff training and shows involvement in the community.
This year's winner will be announced at the Catey Awards on Tuesday 1st July.
Previous Winners:
2002 Andrew and Jacquie Pern
2001 John Vereker
2000 Charles Brierley
1999 Paul Whittome
1998 Denis Watkins
1997 Steven and Marjorie Doherty
Sponsored by: Booker
Sponsor message:
As Britain’s leading cash and carry operator, Booker is delighted to be sponsoring the Catey Pub Operator of the Year award for the second year running.
Seen as the catering industry’s equivalent of the Oscars, the Cateys are highly prestigious awards, and with interest in food and eating out on the rise, the Pub Operator of the Year is a more sought after accolade than ever before. It recognises dynamic individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the pub industry, through exceptional business planning, innovation and of course, a superlative food offer. The winner will also be committed to staff training, motivation and ongoing involvement in the wider community.
A significant proportion of Booker’s 300,000 catering customers are pub caterers, which means that it too must keep innovating in order to stay one step ahead of exciting developments in the business. An example of this is Booker’s partnership with chef Gordon Ramsay. Gordon has been working with Booker and advising on its catering proposition for the past 18 months.
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all winners the best of luck for the future and to congratulate them on the truly inspirational standards they are setting.
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