Left to Right . Deputy Manager Tim, Head Chef Nathan, Manager Rebecca, Sous Chef Andy and Deputy Manager Zee

We are delighted to announce that our Fitzherbert Arms in the village of Swynnerton has won the top Gold Award and retained our Pub of the Year title for 2026 at the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards.

General Manager Rebecca, Head Chef Nathan, Deputy Managers Tim and Zee and Sous Chef Andy were all at the amazing reception in Tamworth when their win was announced. The awards celebrate local businesses across the county. The Fitzherbert Arms is truly an award-winning pub, winning the ‘Best Pub in Staffordshire last year at the Pub and Bar Magazine Awards 2025.

This year the Fitz’ team were once again up against very strong opposition but came out smiling. The entry and judging process was as vigorous as ever and to come out on top for the second-year running is truly amazing! Rebecca added “we are thrilled, to win the award last year felt so special but to win it back-to-back in 2026 just shows how consistent we have been and it is a superb reflection on all the team’s efforts to make the Fitz’ such a special pub.

The Fitz was also recognised with a richly deserved Silver Award for the ‘Small Accommodation Operator’, recognising the ten 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 over the moon 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 these two awards. We share them with everybody. Thank you for your support of the Fitz.

On Tuesday 10th March our owners Tim and Mary headed off into Manchester to the Northern Restaurant and Bar Show (NRB). Tim was a keynote panellist at the event, talking about the success of ‘No and Low’ alcoholic drinks within Cheshire Cat. Then later in the day our company was recognised for the 10th time in a row in the Kuits/NRB Top 50 Northern Hospitality businesses. But there was a surprise in store as our company was also awarded one of the prestigious ‘NRB High Achievement Awards’ for 2026 recognising our team’s efforts over the years. Three awards are presented on the day and Mark Birtshall the 3 Michelin star head chef of Moor Hall and the team behind Nell’s Pizzas in Manchester both sharing the stage with Tim and Mary.

Tim said “we are so delighted with this award. It is an honour to have been in the Top 50 Northern Hospitality businesses for 10 years in a row, but to be recognised with a ‘High Achievement Award’ is the icing on the cake and great testament to our wonderful team’s hard work and dedication. This is their award and recognises their tremendous efforts over the years. We are a big family really and together we will toast this award and ensure we remain consistent in everything we do for our guests and customers.”

We are delighted to let everyone know that Tim our Deputy manager at our Fitzherbert Arms has successfully passed his Beer Sommelier assessment exam on Friday 28th November in Sheffield. Well done, Tim! You are now officially an accredited Beer Sommelier!

We are so proud of Tim, he has been through some tough training and exams over the last year but passed with flying colours.

Tim joins an elite group at the Guild of Beer Sommeliers which is operated in association with Cask Marque, who visit our pubs regularly to assess the quality of our Cask Ale, which is at the heart of our drinks act. Cask ale is the most sustainable pint on our bars because we work with local micro-brewers from within 35-mile radius of each pub….supporting local business and employment. It is the freshest pint on the bar and the most reasonably priced pint too with a mass of styles, colours and flavours. A pub is not a pub without cask ale…it is woven into our heritage!

Tim is a great ambassador and long may he pour pints with pride!