Fri 17th Nov 2017 - Multi-site operators scoop eight accolades at Star Pubs & Bars awards Multi-site operators scoop eight accolades at Star Pubs & Bars awards: Multi-site operators scooped eight of the 14 accolades at Star Pubs & Bars’ 2017 Star Awards. Caygill & Smith’s Barrelhouse Bar & Grill in Edinburgh won the best bar team category as well as the overall Star pub of the year award, while Hickory’s Smokehouse won the team training award. PG Taverns won the marketing award for the second time for the Jolly Botanist in Edinburgh, while Graham Anderson and Sharon Stanton scooped their third Star Award – most family friendly pub – for the Eastfield Inn in Bristol. Meanwhile, Wickwar Wessex Pub Company was named best cask pub for The Jersey Lily in Bristol, Blind Tiger Inns was awarded live sports venue of the year for The Talbot in Euxton, and Dianne Irving won the pint perfection award for the White Mare in Beckermet. In total, 130 licensees and guests attended a ceremony in Manchester’s Natural History Museum hosted by Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh. A total of 14 national awards were presented to licensees in categories ranging from social media and retailing to live sports and community engagement. Star Pubs & Bars said pub retail standards scores rose 10% across its estate in the company’s 2017 survey, with the gap between the highest and lowest-scoring pubs its narrowest ever. The other Star Award winners were Tony and Michelle Grierson, of The Reiver in Carlisle (heart of the community); Claire Hall, of the Spread Eagle in North Shields (famous for food); Edward O’Neill, of The Crown Inn in Farnham Royal (best outdoor pub); Nick Livingstone, of 7 Saints in Prestwick (best use of social media); John Corbett and Natasha Gleeson, of the Rose & Crown in Heston (best newcomer); and Martyn and Lynda Cripps, of the Longboat Inn in Penzance (retailer of the year). Star Pubs & Bars managing director Lawson Mountstevens said: “The Star Awards is one of the high points of our year. It’s inspiring to have so much talent in one room. Like top operators in any sector, they are true entrepreneurs – always pushing the boundaries and experimenting with new ideas to deliver an exceptional experience to British pub-goers.”