Presentation Evening

13th April 2011

Hinckley and Bosworth Branch were pleased to make the PotY award to the New Plough Hinckley. For the first time the branch had invested in a large “Pub of the Year” banner which was put up in the bar and later will adorn the front of the pub bringing publicity for the pub and CAMRA.

The New Plough has been very active over the past two years having many guest ales from the Marstons range, arranging its beer festivals, quiz nights and raising money for charities with raffles and half marathons.

David Finn, Branch chairman started the presentation by thanking everyone for attending, commenting that it was a good cross section of many locals and CAMRA members. He went on to say that this was only the second time that the branch had made the POTY award, with  the Elephant and Castle at Thurlaston winning the first award and this year the New Plough had been voted the winner which was met with cheers and rapturous applause from the pub's supporters. It was a pleasure to make the award to the Plough, which Louise and Darren have run for the last 2 ¼ years. Louise had previously said that she had only made modest changes, nothing major since taking the helm, however it was felt that those changes had had a major impact on the pub, making it friendly and one that people wanted to come into.

The pub has been open for 111 years and David quipped that he was surprised it had taken so long to win its first award  He then went on to present the framed Certificate saying that well run pubs are a great success and the key to remaining viable in difficult times. Louise and Darren had fulfilled the aims of CAMRA for a pub of the year by serving excellent beer, providing a friendly welcome and giving the customers what they want.

A warm round of applause followed and Louise responded to the award by saying “thanks to CAMRA for making the award and thanks to all those who gave the pub a very loyal customer base”. She went on to say how they had all worked hard to give customers what they wanted, including a new extension to the bar and a barn conversion for facilities and events which was already being well used. Louise paid credit to Darren for being her “rock” throughout their running of the pub and she reminded everyone that she was Chairwoman of Hinckley Carnival this year and looked forward to receiving every ones help and support for the forthcoming event.

Louise concluded by thanking everyone once more and announcing the buffet open.    

Crowds gather	Chairman David gets his photo taken	PotY 2011 Certificate	Louise responds	David & Louise with certificate & banner

 

Words by David Bates
Photos by Alan & Chris