Craft Union celebrates internal award winners
Stonegate’s Craft Union Pub Company has hosted its annual awards.
Some of the most outstanding operators inside Craft Union Pub Company have been honoured at the 2025 Craft Union Operator Awards.
With over 650 operators nationwide within the Stonegate Group brand, the awards spotlight those who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences for customers and communities.
This year’s ceremony was especially significant, marking Craft Union’s 10th anniversary. The annual awards are designed to celebrate the people who make Craft Union pubs such an integral part of their communities and create positive social impact.
Outstanding Pub of the Year, arguably the biggest gong to receive, went Broadway in Leigh-on-Sea, run by operator Lucy Collins, who subsequently won a trip to Las Vegas.
Finalists are selected through a nomination and judging process, with 11 award categories and five finalists in each.
"The Craft Union Operator Awards are one of the highlights of our year," says Frazer Grimbleby, managing director of Craft Union Pub Company. "They shine a light on the fantastic work our operators do every day. Our pubs are at the heart of their communities, thanks to the passion, commitment and hard work of our operators. These awards are our way of saying thank you to those who make Craft Union what it is and every single finalist should be really proud."
2025 Craft Union Operator Awards winners
• Best Turnaround – Steph & Corey David, Lamb Inn, Ashby-De-La-Zouch
• Best Newcomer – John Moxon, Beau Geste, Ashton-Under-Lyne
• Best Sports Performance – Tom Slattery, The Vine, Sale
• Best Community Pub Operator – Sara & Kelly Hirst, Black Swan, Ripon
• Outstanding Pub of the Year – Lucy Collins, Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea
• Best Centre of Excellence Operator – Nicole & Dave Parrott, King William IV, Newton
• Best Student or Late Night Proposition – Mark & Victoria Major, Victoria Inn, Exeter
• Best Investment – Louise & Mark Burns, Westoe, South Shields
• Best Sales & Profit Growth – Sean Snowdon, Sun Inn, Stockton-on-Tees
• Risk & Safety Award – Krystle Morgan, Woodcutter, Leigh-on-Sea
• Best Gaming Performance – Amardeep Roopra, The Feathers, Aylesbury
"The calibre of this year’s finalists has been exceptional,” adds Frazer. "Whether transforming a pub, supporting local causes, or mentoring future operators, our winners embody everything that makes Craft Union successful. They are the face of our business, and I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements."
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