The awards, organised by leading trade title The Morning Advertiser, celebrate the best in the business and culminate in an outstanding night at Battersea Evolution, London, bringing together the leading pub and bar operators from across the UK.
It was another great night in London at our Industry ‘Oscars’ the Publican Awards 2026. The awards, with 1500 guests in attendance, saw our boutique pub company Cheshire Cat Pubs and Bars up for Best Drinks Act in the UK, an award we have won back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. So, the pressure was on to see whether we could do the hat-trick and win this prestigious award for a record breaking third time in a row. Having gone through a gruelling judging process it was a nervous affair waiting for the winner to be announced by no other than Rylan, who was compare for the evening.
As the drums rolled Cheshire Cat was announced as the winner again. Mary and Tim accepted the award on behalf of the team who clearly play the most important part in winning such a high-profile award. Back in 2016 we won our first Publican Award for….yes…Best Drinks Act…so on the 10th Anniversary of this win, we did it again to prove how well we have evolved but also how consistent we have been in our approach to all things drink. Thank you to all the team for their great efforts and to our loyal customers and guests for supporting our pubs with such loyalty. On the night we were also a Finalist in the ‘Best Accommodation Act in the UK’ 2026/27 but just missed out.
The Morning Advertiser editor Ed Bedington said: “Big congratulations to all our finalists and winners tonight, particularly Cheshire Cat for pulling off an impressive treble on Best Drinks.
“These awards celebrate the best in the business and recognise operators that are performing at the very top of their game. The pub and bar sector, and the wider hospitality industry, is facing some unprecedented challenges, particularly in vastly increased taxation, but it is good to step back and recognise some of the amazing work that is going on.
“These awards show that despite the challenges everyone is facing, standards are not being allowed to slip and the sector remains committed to operating at the highest possible levels.”
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.”
