WILTSHIRE LIFE Awards 2018 21
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Pub of the Year
Winner The George Inn
Manager Chris Bryett describes The George Inn at Lacock as a “well-oiled and well-drilled
machine”, which increased turnover by 12% in 2017. They call their customers ‘guests’ and market
themselves creatively with open mic nights, wine and dine evenings, quizzes, gin masterclasses, live
music, festivals and fundraisers. They support the local cricket and soccer teams and have darts and
skittles teams too. Food and drink is of the highest quality and there’s a vast array of boutique gins
on offer, an extensive wine list and award-winning cask ales.
Chris Bryett says: “To ensure our guests have an amazing experience every time they walk
through the door, we have to think on our feet and think outside of the box, as well as delivering
the best service and providing the very best quality product. We like to think of ourselves as
creative, always marketing the next event to entice our locale and those even further afield.
“I am proudest when our guests say, ‘I had a wonderful time, I will be back,’ and my team
says, ‘Really enjoyed today, see you tomorrow’.”
Second place The Greyhound
The Greyhound in Bromham used to rely on its restaurant, but new landlords Danny and Tara
Adams set about creating a ‘village pub’, with a contemporary refurbishment where dogs are
welcome. To promote conviviality a bar table has been reserved where you can sit with others. You’ll
find a 25ft well in the restaurant, where Danny presents locally sourced food using top quality
ingredients, including fresh fish delivered from Cornwall. They support community events such as
the summer carnival and sponsor the ‘pudding run’ at Christmas.
Third place The Woolpack
In 2006, The Woolpack in Sutton Veny closed its doors for what villagers thought was the last
“time”, so when chefs Tim and Abbie Smith purchased the freehold and reopened in 2009,
they received “amazing support”. Tim cooks locally sourced produce, with fresh fish six days
a week and game from local shoots when in season. You’ll find the pub in foodie guides such
as Sawday’s and The Michelin Guide. Warm and welcoming with polite staff, the pub is also a
meeting place for single elderly people.
To ensure our guests
have an amazing
experience every time
they walk through the
door, we have to think
outside of the box