A St Albans pub with a great musical history has been rewarded with an ‘Oscar of the pub industry’.
 
Punch Taverns’ pub, The Horn Reborn in St Albans - renowned as a top local music venue – has been crowned ‘Music Pub of the Year’ at the 2008 Publican Awards on 18th March.

Licensee Adrian Bell and his team were presented with their award by celebrity guest presenters Alan Carr and Justin Lee Collins from the Friday Night Project at a glittering awards ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.

Award sponsors, the Performing Rights Society, commended the pub on their ‘commitment and passion for music.’ Hansi Koppe, the pub’s music promoter explains: “We have musical entertainment on seven nights a week – a DJ on a Monday and live bands throughout the rest of the week.  The live acts range from tribute bands on a Saturday to high profile musicians including Hugh Cornwall of The Stranglers and Paul Young.“

Hansi adds: “We’re passionate about supporting the local music scene and are lucky to have some fantastic local bands – that’s really our bread and butter.”

The pub has had a strong musical following since the 1970s when Kim Wilde used to work behind the bar and Paul Young started out performing there with the Q-Tips and his street band.

Commenting on the pub’s win Hansi said: “To win is absolutely amazing.  The pub and the area has a great music tradition so to be recognised outside of St Albans with a national award is brilliant. “

Punch’s regional operations director for London, Ian Marchant added: “This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the quality of the bands and the musical offering that the pub provides.”  Congratulations to all of the team!”

Ends