Driftwood named Freehouse of the Year

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L-R: award sponsor Nigel Tarn of Turbo Drinks, England rugby player James Haskell, Damon Rutland and Louise Treseder from the Driftwood Spars and Dara O’Briain who compered the event

St Agnes pub the Driftwood Spars has been named Britain’s Freehouse of the Year by trade magazine The Publican.

While a handful of the south west’s best pubs were shortlisted in the Publican Awards 2011, the Driftwood was the only one from Cornwall to bring home a title.

Landlady Louise Treseder said: “This is absolutely amazing and I’m so proud of my team for helping us win this award.

“Last year we were a finalist in this category which showed we were doing really well, but now we’re gaining more and more national recognition for what we offer.”

The Publican judges were looking for evidence of financial success, a pub that offers something unique, investment, long-term development plans and excellence in staff training.

They were also looking for a pub which “provides an unbeatable experience for its customers” and “which is clearly out-performing the competition”.

The Driftwood also demonstrated improvements such as gaining a wedding license and diversification through the pub’s microbrewery and shop.

Louise and her colleague Damon Rutland received the award at ceremony in London, which was hosted by comedian and TV presenter Dara O’Briain.

Fellow shortlisted pubs in 2011’s Publican from Cornwall include the Rashleigh Arms in Charlestown, the Kings Arms in St Just and the Fountain Inn in Mevagissey.

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