The landlady of a Burnley pub has been named ‘ the best in the UK’ after winning a major award.
Justine Lorriman, who has been at the helm of The Royal Dyche in Yorkshire Street for 11 years, has been named licensee of the year at the BII Licensee of the Year competition.
The 32-year-old said she was “in utter shock” when her name was called.
She said: “I was in utter shock and was completely overwhelmed when my name got called out.
"I didn’t even have a speech prepared. I felt lucky to just be a finalist, let alone go ahead and win it.
“We were up against some really good and inspiring venues.
“It has not sunk in yet. This is all just completely mind-blowing.”
Justine was one of more than 300 nominations and had to undergo five months of judging, applications and visits before being presented the award earlier this month.
Justine said: “Judges said they were impressed because I am a young woman in the industry, running a wet-led pub. They said to have the turnover we have is impressive.
“They said everything I do for my community is what sets good pubs apart from chains.
“I really care about my staff, customers and regulars. I think it’s those important bits that matter the most.”
Justine said the award is reassuring, especially after the cost of living crisis, pandemic and other issues challenged the industry.
She said: “In the last 11 years, there always seems to be something challenging thrown our way. If it isn’t Covid it is the cost of living crisis, or the Town to Turf project.
“I am determined to move my business forward and run the business as successfully as I can, think of new ideas.
“You spend more time with staff than your family half the time so I want my staff to enjoy working here too and that they feel the welcoming, family environment we have built up.”
Justine hopes the award has helped show Burnley in a positive light.
“I really feel like Burnley is on the up at the moment,” she said.
“We’re finalists In the Burnley business awards too. It’s nice that positives are coming to Burnley and I am proud that I can bring some [more positivity] to the town.
“I want to dedicate the award to my staff and regulars. It’s been a tough 11 years but I am really looking forward to [the future]. I am excited to see where are going next.”
A spokesperson for the BII Licensee of the Year awards said: "Justine Lorriman has been running The Royal Dyche since 2013, and has turned the pub into a Burnley fan's sporting paradise.
"Not just a go-to spot for sports fans, it has become an inclusive space for all, with live music, fundraising events and much more.
"Justine's tenacity and love for the hospitality industry shone through at every stage of the competition and we can't wait to see what her future holds.
"Our licensee of the year competition is the most prestigious award for an individual or partnership of licensees in our industry, and this year we had over 300 amazing nominations. Entries will be open for 2025 in January next year. "
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