The owners of a beloved pub in Tameside which recently underwent a massive renovation said being a finalist for a leading industry award has made all the ‘hard work’ worthwhile.
The Fletchers Arms, situated on Stockport Road in Denton, has been run by the Almond family for 22 years and is named as one of the top ten venues in the area on TripAdvisor.
The pub, which features a hidden courtyard to the rear of the building, has become known for its family-friendly atmosphere and expansive menu, featuring the likes of steaks, curries, handmade pies, fish and chips, and carveries.
Earlier this year, the pub’s Business Partner Vicki Williams, nee Almond, and General Manager Zac Williams-Wolfe were named as finalists of the Licensee of the Year award at the British Institute of Innkeeping Summer 2024.
The award, seen as ‘prestigious’ within the industry, honours the best individual licensees in the country with the six finalists, whittled down from 300 entrants, being decided based on their community impact, support of their teams, and commitments to sustainability and diversification.
Each shortlisted pub was also visited by mystery diner visits from the award's panel, alongside financial and online audits and face-to-face interviews. The winner was unveiled at an event at The HAC Royal Artillery Ground in London on Tuesday evening (June 18).
The award was given to Justine Lorriman from the Royal Dyche pub in Burnley, but Vicki and Zac said they were still honoured to be named as a finalist and to be recognised for their efforts.
“This national award It’s the most prestigious award there is in our industry, and we are proud to have been nominated,” Vicki explained. “A combination of our passion for quality, combined with Zac and his team's hard work and natural aptitude to hospitality make this the best pub in Denton. We were delighted that this has been recognised and that we made it to the finals.”
Last year, the pub underwent a huge £500,000 refurbishment thanks to an investment from brewers Robinsons. Its most extensive renovation to date, the ‘dramatic’ rebrand featured plush décor and a new spacious bar creating a ‘parliamentary, yet cosy’ atmosphere.
Speaking at the time of the refurb, Vicki said: “We wanted to create more space for our drinkers and local community, we know we’re known for our carvery but we’re a traditional pub at heart and our bar guests are as important to us as our diners. We’re absolutely delighted with the refurbishment, it’s been a long project and certainly a lot of hard work but the final result is simply stunning.”
General Manager Zac said that he hoped the recognition of the venue at the British Institute of Innkeeping Summer 2024 event would remind people that it is a ‘special pub’.
“While we didn’t win, this has certainly been a highpoint in my career so far,” Zac added. “The award process has been a long one and hard work at times but so rewarding at the same time. I’ve always known the Fletchers is a special pub and to be in the top six of the entire country proves just that.”
The Fletchers Arms is on 445 Stockport Road, Denton, M34 6EG.
