Left to Right Asst. Managers Tim and Zee, Head Chef Connor, Manager Rebecca and Rooms Manager Kelly.
We are delighted to announce that our Fitzherbert Arms in the village of Swynnerton has won the top Gold Award and become Pub of the Year 2025 at the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards.
General Manager Rebecca, Head Chef Connor, Asst Managers Tim and Zee and Rooms Manager Kelly were all at the Hilton Hotel reception when their win was announced. Sponsored by the University of Staffordshire, the awards celebrate local businesses across the county. The Fitzherbert Arms is an award-winning pub in its own right, winning the ‘Best Taste Award’ at the Pub and Bar Magazine Awards last year. The Fitz’ were up against very strong opposition but came out smiling. The entry and judging process was vigorous to say the least and to come out on top is truly amazing! Rebecca added “we are truly over the moon, there were some great pubs in the line up, so to win Gold is a superb reflection on all the team’s efforts to make the Fitz’ such a special pub.
Only a year ago the Fitzherbert Arms opened its 10 Guest Bedrooms in the old Fitzherbert Farmhouse. A grade 2 listed building, it is a wonderful place to stay when enjoying the great attractions of Staffordshire. Owners Mary McLaughlin and Tim Bird, who also have the Mainwaring Arms in Whitmore, as well as five award-winning pubs in Cheshire added, “we are so delighted for Rebecca and the team! The Fitz is a very special pub but what makes it truly special are the team and of course our customers and guests. They along with our local suppliers can all be proud of this award. We share it with everybody.
What a great day we had at the Fitzherbert Arms on Saturday 19th October. Nine competitive teams rocked up on a wonderful sunny day and drove the country lanes of Staffordshire that surround our lovely pub. The competitors had to take photos, pick up 42 cryptic clues and answer some car and Fitzherbert Arms specific questions too. Everyone was back in good time and enjoyed a few complimentary nibbles while owner Tim marked the papers!
As pictured In third place were ‘Real Ale Madrid’. They were knocked into third by veteran Treasure Hunters and winners in 2019 ‘Road To Nowhere’. In first place was Team Galley who did a very good round to pick up the cup and become Fitzherbert Arms Treasure Hunt Champions 2024. The winning team also picked up some unique Guinness glasses and some Guinness too from our sponsors Guinness 0.0%, as well as the main prize of £200 Gift Card to use in our pubs also generously supported by Guinness 0.0%.
Well done to the winners and indeed to all the teams that took part. Thank to Guinness for their sponsorship support at the Fitzherbert Arms. We raised a further £90 for the Air Ambulance, which means over the three Treasure Hunts held in October at our Cholmondeley Arms and Bulls Head, as well as the Fitz, we have raised £340.00 for the Air Ambulance in total! A great effort by everyone. Thank you!
See you all in October 2025!
