A publican running The Shinfield Arms near Reading has won the Multiple Operator of the Year Award.

Clive Price, who operates ten pubs in Berkshire and Surrey, was praised by judges for successfully turning around bars and making them thriving locals at the heart of their communities.

All pubs overseen by his company, Barons Pub Company Ltd, rank in the top 10 per cent in their areas on Tripadvisor.

“It is a real honour to have won Multiple Pub Operator of the Year at the Night of Excellence Awards,” said Mr Price.

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“I want to dedicate this award to the Barons Pub Co family and all our staff and customers over the years. This award wouldn’t be possible without you all, so thank you.”

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Judges at Whittlebury Hall in Towcester, Northamptonshire commended Barons Pub’s success in fundraising £400,000 for local charities.

The Night of Excellence Awards celebrate the success of great licensees and the businesses they run in partnership with Greene King Pub Partners.

They comprise of 14 awards ranging from Community Pub of the Year to Entertainment Pub of the Year, which are all sponsored by key suppliers to the pub sector and well-known brands such as Coca-Cola, Diageo and Aspall.

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Entrants go through a strict judging process including mystery visits in order to be crowned award winners.

Business Development Manager for Greene King Pub Partners, Barrie Aspinall, said: “Congratulations to Clive for winning Multiple Pub Operator of the Year.

“Baron Pub Co Ltd is known for brilliant pubs at the heart of their community and Clive is at the very centre of that. He is truly a brilliant licensee and an inspiration to many in the pub sector.”