Cornwall’s Top Brewing Pub Company – Major Win for St Austell Brewery at Industry ‘Oscars’

174-year-old brewery scoops national award for second year running

St Austell Brewery has been named ‘Best Brewing Pub Company’ at the 2025 Publican Awards – one of the most prestigious events in the hospitality calendar.

The Cornwall-based brewery, which also operates a second site in Bath, was recognised last week (26th March) at the ceremony often dubbed the pub industry’s ‘Oscars’.

Recognised Again on the National Stage

Following its 2024 win for ‘Best Accommodation Operator’, the family-owned business has once again impressed industry judges. This year’s title celebrates the Brewery’s strength across brewing, pub operations and partnerships, reinforcing its standing as one of the leading names in British hospitality.

In addition to taking home the main award, the company was a finalist in two other categories: ‘Best New Site’ for Pier House and Beer House in Charlestown, and ‘Best Managed Pub Company (2–50 sites)’.

From Cornwall to the Nation

St Austell Brewery is behind some of the country’s best-known beers, including Tribute, Proper Job, korev, and more recently, Proper Job 0.5% IPA and Anthem – an all-British brew. These are sold in supermarkets and pubs across the UK.

Alongside its award-winning beers, the Brewery runs a managed estate of 45 pubs, including standout locations such as Pedn Olva in St Ives, Mason Arms in Branscombe, and the Godolphin Arms in Marazion.

Its wider pub portfolio includes over 120 tenanted and leased pubs, with well-known venues like The Pandora Inn near Falmouth, The Cornish Arms in Tavistock, and The Griffin in Bath.

“A Testament to Our Team”

Andrew Turner, Chief Operating Officer at St Austell Brewery, said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this prestigious industry award which is a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of our entire team. This award really does encapsulate everything that is great about what we do at St Austell Brewery – brewing & selling fantastic beers, running beautiful pubs, having meaningful partnerships and being a leading employer in the South West.

“However, we recognise that this achievement comes at a difficult time, as we navigate proposed organisational changes due to the significant increase in the cost of doing business from April this year. Our top priority remains supporting our people through this period while continuing to deliver the excellence that has earned us this recognition. As we move forward, we will do so with transparency, care, and a steadfast focus on our people.”

Industry Praise Amidst Challenges

The Publican Awards are organised annually by The Morning Advertiser, bringing together top operators from across the UK to spotlight success in the sector.

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, said:
“These awards celebrate the best in the business and recognise operators that are performing at the very top of their game. The pub and bar sector, and the wider hospitality industry, is facing some unprecedented challenges, particularly in vastly increased taxation, but it is good to step back and recognise some of the amazing work that is going on.

“These awards show that despite the challenges everyone is facing, standards are not being allowed to slip and the sector remains committed to operating at the highest possible levels.”

Supporting the South West

Beyond brewing and pub operations, St Austell Brewery is also the leading wholesale drinks distributor in the South West. It supplies over 2,500 customers with a wide range of beverages – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – from six depots across the region.

For more information, visit www.staustellbrewery.co.uk.