A pub and restaurant in Sabden has come home with two awards, at Business Awards UK.

The White Hart in Sabden has been named Lancashire’s restaurant of the year and hospitality business of the year.

Stephen Howarth, who manages the Thwaites-owned pub with Tom Howarth, said it is “fantastic” to be recognised, especially as the industry is facing tough obstacles with the cost of living crisis.  

Tom and Stephen HowarthTom and Stephen Howarth (Image: Tom and Stephen Howarth)

Stephen said: “We are delighted to have been crowned both Lancashire’s restaurant of the year and hospitality business of the year. These accolades recognise the hard work and dedication of our amazing team.

“For us, this makes it a hat trick of awards so far this year, having previously won the customer-friendly award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards.

“Like many industries, the hospitality trade is facing a tough time at the moment, so to be recognised for our efforts is fantastic.

"We are looking now to the future as we enter our third year of trading in August with lots planned to mark the occasion." 

Other Lancashire businesses have also been recognised at the awards ceremony, including The Moorings Bakery in Blackburn, which won family business of the year.

A spokesperson said: “We are delighted to win Lancashire’s family business of the year!

"This is our first award (hopefully of many!) and is a tremendous milestone in our journey. Family values are important to us and this award is for the Moorings Family, not just the business – we couldn’t do any of it without our team!

"We also extend these values in the local community by regularly donating to local schools, food banks, groups, and charity events.

"The business is growing at a fast pace and we are currently in the process of refurbishing our new home. We are excited to move and it will enable us to extend our team."

Full list of Lancashire winners:

  • Small manufacturers of the year: Brow Farm Ltd, Ormskirk
  • Business training and education of the year: Harringtons Learning Centre, Brierfield
  • Newcomer family business and most innovative family business: Neuro Sparks Business Solutions Ltd, Burnley
  • Family business of the year: The Moorings Bakery Ltd, Blackburn
  • Best family-run business and best training programme: Posh Look LTD, Rawtenstall
  • Best home care provider: Visiting Angels East Lancashire, Brierfield
  • Restaurant of the year and hospitality business of the year: White Hart, Sabden
  • Security company of the year: H&A Protection Services Ltd, Preston