East Lancashire pubs delighted to have won Thwaites awards

The Fox and Hounds in Ewood, the Grey Mare in Belthorn, and the Havelock Inn in Blackburn each won a Thwaites Hospitality Award on Sunday, November 27.

A pub in wider Lancashire also won a prize. The Smithy Inn in Holme, Carnforth, won a community hero award.

The Havelock Inn, in Havelock Street, Blackburn, won the ‘sporting superstar’ award.

The sports viewing area at The Havelock Inn (Image: The Havelock Inn)

Landlord Darren Heggie said his impressive entertainment system and sports set up is to thank for the prize.

He said: “We have been nominated for the last few years for this award and felt that if we didn’t win this year we would never win.

"We have introduce a 4.5 metre outdoor screen and 21 metre marquee with a bar and televisions in it.”

The Fox and Hounds at Ewood won an award for best investment.

The pub underwent a refurbishment last year where it received a fresh coat of paint, new outdoor drinking area, and new pub sign.

Landlady Laura Hardy-Price said: “I can't actually believe I’ve done it.

“Due to illness I couldn’t attend the Thwaites Awards but my parents were there and I’m proud to say I have officially won the best investment in the north west."

Laura said the win “hasn’t come easy.”

She said: “I underestimated how hard it would be to run a pub even though I’ve been mentored by my parents.

"It’s a rollercoaster and a 24/7 around the clock job. This never would have been possible without my ever growing locals and football family.”

If you are looking for a bite to eat, then the Grey Mare in Belthorn is the place to go after it won an award for best premium pub food.

Food from the Grey Mare in Belthorn (Image: the Grey Mare in Belthorn)

Owners Steve and Rebecca Prince said they are “ecstatic” to have won.

They said: “Our amazing team are very dedicated in our aim to give every guest the best experience, whether it be that special occasion or just lunch out.

“Our specials board shows great flare from our chef team using local produce from our area and is becoming increasingly popular with our regular customers.

“Whilst on our regular menu you can still see the famous pub classics offering something for everyone.

“We are just entering our 24th year at the Grey Mare, and still love it at much as when we first arrived.

“We are always looking for areas that we can improve, we never stand still.

“We would like to thank all our fantastic team for all of their hard work making these achievements possible.”

Andrew Buchanan, director of pubs and brewing at Daniel Thwaites, said: “We take great pride in our pubs and to be able to be able to celebrate and recognise their achievements  is incredible.

"All of our winners and finalists have done a wonderful job over the last 12 months, despite the many challenges that the industry has faced, and this is a testament to their continued efforts.

"With the calibre of entrants so high, it’s fair to say that our judges had their toughest year yet when it came to deciding the winners.”