Rylan Clark gives award to best pub company for employment

Butcombe Group is raising a glass after being crowned Best Pub Employer (501 or more employees) at this year’s prestigious Publican Awards. 

The brewery and pub company, whose estate spans the South of England and the Channel Islands, collected the accolade at a ceremony at Evolution London on Wednesday night, hosted by radio and television presenter Rylan Clark.

READ MORE: Timeframe confirmed for Mountain Warehouse opening

Butcombe Group pubs in Oxfordshire include The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, The Victoria Arms in Old Marston and The Prince of Burford in Burford,

For more than 30 years, the Publican Awards have celebrated excellence across the pub and bar sector and are widely regarded as the Oscars of the hospitality industry.

Competition this year was particularly fierce, with Butcombe Group triumphing over some of the UK’s most respected operators.

The Victoria Arms in Old Marston (Image: Oxford Mail)

The award recognises Butcombe Group’s commitment to creating an outstanding working environment, underpinned by comprehensive training, strong staff motivation and benefits, and clear pathways for long‑term career development

Cat Moseley, chief experience officer at Butcombe Group, said: “Winning Best Pub Employer is an incredible moment for everyone at Butcombe Group. 

“Our teams are the heartbeat of this business, and this award recognises the passion, professionalism and genuine hospitality they deliver every single day. 

“Hospitality is a fast‑paced industry, but when you invest in training, communication and wellbeing, you build teams that are confident, motivated and proud of what they do.

“We’ve worked hard to build a culture where people feel supported, valued and able to grow – so to be recognised by the industry’s most respected awards is something we’re immensely proud of.”

TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark (Image: PA)

Butcombe Group has a bespoke training programme designed to ensure every team member delivers consistently high standards of hospitality. 

New starters complete essential online modules on day one – including allergen awareness, food safety and manual handling – before progressing to hands‑on, role‑specific training that builds confidence across the entire guest journey. 

Butcombe Group said its win reflected a clear, well‑executed strategy built around mental health, wellbeing and meaningful career development.  

The group offers defined progression pathways supported by accredited training, alongside a strong culture of reward and recognition celebrated at the annual Butcombe Awards. 

Every employee has access to a 24/7 assistance programme, providing confidential mental health support, financial guidance, legal advice and wellbeing resources.

 Ed Bedington, awards organiser, said: “These awards are testament to the tenacity and excellence that runs through the pub and bar sector. 

“There’s no getting away from the fact that there are plenty of challenges for people running pubs right now, but our winners represent the best in the sector, and despite everything thrown at them, they’re not taking their eye off the ball and continuing to deliver great experiences for customers and amazing careers for their teams.”