A drinks company running pubs across Oxfordshire is celebrating after being named an exceptional employer.
The Butcombe Group is raising a glass to achievement after winning the Best Pub Employer prize (for businesses with 501 or more workers) at this year’s prestigious Publican Awards.
The brewery and pub chain, with venues spanning Southern England and the Channel Islands, received the honour at a ceremony held at Evolution London on Wednesday night, hosted by radio and TV presenter Rylan Clark.
Among Butcombe Group’s Oxfordshire sites are The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, The Victoria Arms in Old Marston and The Prince of Burford in Burford.
For more than thirty years, the Publican Awards have celebrated excellence throughout the pub and bar sector and are frequently called the hospitality industry’s Oscars.
This year’s competition proved particularly fierce, with Butcombe Group triumphing over numerous highly respected British operators.
The accolade recognises Butcombe Group’s commitment to creating an outstanding workplace, underpinned by comprehensive staff development, strong employee incentives and benefits, and clear pathways for long-term career growth.
Cat Moseley, chief experience officer at Butcombe Group, said winning Best Pub Employer marked a tremendous achievement for everyone connected to Butcombe Group.
Team members form the heartbeat of this business, and this award celebrates the passion, skill and genuine hospitality they bring to work each day.
The hospitality industry moves quickly, yet when investment is made in training, communication and wellbeing, teams develop that feel confident, inspired and proud of what they contribute.
The company has worked hard to build an environment where people feel supported, valued and empowered to grow – so receiving recognition from the industry’s most respected awards brings enormous pride.
Butcombe Group runs a bespoke training programme designed to ensure consistent excellence from every team member.
New starters complete compulsory online training on their initial day – covering allergen awareness, food safety and manual handling – before progressing to practical, role-specific instruction that builds capability throughout the customer journey.
Butcombe Group said the victory demonstrated a cohesive, well-executed strategy centred on mental health, wellbeing and meaningful career advancement.
The company offers defined career paths supported by accredited training, complemented by a comprehensive rewards and recognition framework celebrated during the annual Butcombe Awards.
All employees have access to a round-the-clock support service, providing confidential mental health help, financial advice, legal guidance and wellbeing resources.
Ed Bedington, awards organiser, said these accolades shine a light on the commitment and quality present in the pub and bar sector.
Those running pubs today undoubtedly face significant challenges, yet the winners demonstrate the very best of the industry – and despite encountering many obstacles, they stay focused on delivering excellent experiences for customers and rewarding career opportunities for their staff.