A MAN who has run a Bradford pub for less than a year has won a national award.
Paul Bennett, who operates The Top Odd, in Wyke, is celebrating being named the Best Newcomer at the Craft Union Pub Company Operator Awards 2023.
The pub, alongside more than 500 others across the country, is owned by Craft Union.
The awards, in their eighth year, feature a range of categories, including sales and growth, sports performance, and Outstanding Pub of the Year.
Mr Bennett was one of a number of shortlisted finalists who were invited to a celebratory awards ceremony that was hosted by Director of Craft Union, Frazer Grimbleby, and Director of Group Transitions, Carol Roderickson.
A spokesperson for Craft Union said Mr Bennett has “excelled in creating a friendly, welcoming environment in the popular community pub, developing engaging activities and events and fostering a true community spirit.”
Mr Bennett said: “It was an honour to receive this award having been at The Top Odd for just nine months.
“It’s been great to get to know those within my local community and work with them in providing a pub that is an extension of their own leisure experiences, as well as supporting local charities and those in need with fundraising events.”
Mr Grimbleby said: “I felt immensely proud to have hosted the Craft Union awards evening for our Operators, who do so much to serve their communities.
“This wonderful occasion was an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate and recognise the best of the best.
“Reward and recognition has always been, and will continue to be, a key part of the very special Craft Union culture of which I am so proud.”
Craft Union launched its 500th site earlier this year, the Royal Standard, in Leicester, and now owns 559 pubs.
There are six in the Bradford area, including The Top Odd; The New Inn, in Shipley; The Queen, in Bridge Street; The Black Bull Inn, in Clayton; Horse & Groom, in Wibsey; and The Woodman, in Manchester Road.
Craft Union says on its website the company’s philosophy “is about putting brilliant pubs back at the heart of local communities.”
It adds: “We believe pubs play a vital role in the lives of their customers and we are committed to nurturing this.”
Full list of award winners:
- Best Profit and Sales Growth: Catherine Bulford - The Phoenix, Rainham
- Best Investment: Nick Smith - The Lowther, Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Best Sports Performance: Anthea Turner - Havering Well, Romford
- Best Turnaround: Rhys Jones and Katie Cooper - The New Inn, Bridlington
- Best Newcomer: Paul Bennett - The Top Odd, Wyke
- Safety Award: Christina McKay and John Curran - Market Inn, Huntingdon
- Best Community Pub Operator: Chris Farman - The Royal Oak, Radcliffe
- Outstanding Pub of the Year: Krystle Morgan - The Woodcutters Arms, Leigh-on-Sea
- Best Gaming Performance: Mark Arnold - Gate Inn, Sutton Coldfield
- Best Sports Performance: Anthea Turner - Havering Well, Romford
- Best Investment: Nick Smith - The Lowther, Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Best Profit and Sales Growth: Catherine Bulford - The Phoenix, Rainham
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