A Ryde pub is celebrating after being named one of the final 5 Town Centre pubs in the country in this year’s Great British Pub Awards – flying the flag for the Isle of Wight.
The Star Coffee & Ale House team say they are ‘chuffed’ to have reached the national finals after what they describe as a very challenging year for the industry, with rising costs and tough trading conditions.
The pub’s long-standing manager Rob Madigan who has over 30 years’ experience, said small businesses like pubs, cafés and independent shops need urgent support to survive. They warn that without action, more venues will disappear for good.
Rob said:
“Our industry bodies are tackling the issues but our MPs really need to listen to us and not just nod and blame each other,”
The Star team will now head to Leeds for the final stage of the competition, proudly representing not just their own venue but the whole Isle of Wight. They are asking local businesses and groups to share flyers and brochures to help promote the Island to judges and other guests at the event.
Rob went on to say:
“Win or lose, we will be more than our establishment – we will be the Pub on the Isle of Wight,”
Further updates about the pub’s opening hours and the awards final will be shared on their social media.
