Fylde pub company earns national title

The Seafood Pub Company fought off strong competition from top brands across the country, including Cheshire Cat Pubs and Bars, Anglian Country Inns and McMullen’s Chicken and Grill to take the title of Best Food Offer for under 50 sites in the Publican Awards.

The awards are among the biggest in the pub industry and celebrate the achievements of pub companies in a range of categories.

The Best Food Offer is awarded to a company delivering a successful food offer across their estate with food a key part of the company’s total sales.

Joycelyn Neve, Blackpool-born managing director, and her team received the award from comedian Michael McIntyre, at a glittering ceremony held at Battersea Evolution. in London. The Seafood Pub Company is based in Great Eccleston at the Farmers Arms, one of the seven county pubs it runs.

Joycelyn said: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed and delighted to be announced as winners in this category; it’s a huge honour and means the Seafood Pub Company is seen as a key contender in the industry,” said Joycelyn Neve, managing director.

“We’re no longer newbies, but serious food and drink operators committed to the sector and keen to offer the people of Lancashire and beyond quality food and excellent service.”

Antony Shirley, the group’s executive chef said, “Delivering excellent food is a huge part of our vision and ethos as a company; our menus and daily specials are constantly adapting and changing due to fresh ideas.

“We’re committed to using local, seasonal produce from a range of suppliers close to our hearts, and offering our customers a range of both classic and new, exciting dishes to choose from is really important.”

Joycelyn is the daughter of Jane and Chris Neve of Thornton. Chris worked as a fisherman and fish merchant in Fleetwood for 40 years.

Joycelyn has also recently been included in the 2016 edition of the NRB Top Fifty; a ‘Power List’ which celebrates the most important and influential hospitality operators.