Punch Taverns have already recognised over 100 talented licensees who run the finest pubs within their 8,400 strong estate.

The pub company’s 2008 Shine Awards are well underway as the pubs that deliver the best food, drink, customer and community experiences are rewarded at prestigious events around the UK – from London to Scotland.
Nine out of twelve Shine lunches have taken place to date – each naming an overall Regional Champion, four category winners as well as a number of highly commended pubs.

And celebrity guests have turned out to see what it’s all about.  The Shine lunch at Kilworth House, Leicestershire brought celebrity cricketer Ashley Giles and footballer Lee Sharpe along to congratulate the winners and take part in a unique ‘Question of Sport’ session.

Punch’s operations director Kevin Georgel comments: “It’s thrilling to see the reaction of the pubs when their names are called out as winners. The events have been fantastic and I’m extremely proud of all the pubs involved – they really are a cut above.”

Tony Day of the Cross in Kenilworth was announced as the Regional Champion for Warwickshire. Commenting on his award he said: “I was so shocked to win the overall prize, there are 800 pubs in this region and to come first is a fantastic achievement for us all. It is great to be recognised, but to win is an honour.“

There are three award luncheons remaining and then Tony, along with the other Regional Champions will attend a prestigious Champions Dinner at Hampton Court Palace, London on 21st May.

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