Harrogate and Coniston make Great British Pub Awards finals
Two of The Inn Collection Group’s pub with rooms are in the running to be named among the UK’s best this September, after making category shortlists at the 2024 Great British Pub Awards.
Harrogate’s Barking George, part of The Harrogate Inn is vying for the title of best town centre pub in the UK, whilst in the Lake District, The Coniston Inn is aiming to be crowned the best pub for dogs.
Described as the Oscars for the Pub Industry, the annual competition aims to reward and recognise the nation’s finest pubs, helping their owners and operators put bums on seats and pride into their hard-working teams
Barking George is the only contender in its category to come from the north of England, whilst The Coniston Inn is one of four entries from the north west as that region dominates that shortlist.
The North Yorkshire venue’s qualification recognised the variety offered by its food and drinks menus, including the newly launched weekend brunch offering, marketing and promotional activities and the company’s approach to staff training and retention.
Coniston’s meanwhile is due to the efforts of the site team to enhance their dog-friendly offering, including a new scent trail in the woodland walk that is part of the grounds and its securely fenced paddock that allows for responsible off lead exercising
Both sites will now receive a visit from members of the Great British Pub Awards’ judging panel for a thorough examination of their credentials, before the category winners are announced at a gala event at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on September 17.
Reacting to Barking George’s qualification, general manager Henry White said: ““It’s been quite a year since we reopened last summer and I’m thankful the people of Harrogate and beyond have taken to the refurbishment.
“The inn has a superb mix of clientele, with everyone from the ladies who lunch, the cocktail set, the cask ale aficionados and everyone in between coming down regularly.
“We’re now eagerly awaiting our judging visit later in the summer so we can show our assessor everything special about the bar, from the food, drink and our brilliant team, to our amazing customers and the fabulous atmosphere they bring to Barking George.”
Cindy Milburn of The Coniston Inn said: “We’re delighted to be short-listed as one of the best pubs for dogs in the UK. We are all dog-mad and enjoy welcoming our four-legged visitors as much as their owners.
“The setting for the pub couldn’t be better for owners and their pooches, with plenty of space and a nice relaxing environment along with the usual extras that dog parents would expect at a pub from The Inn Collection Group.
“I’m proud of how dog-friendly the team make our inn and we’re all excited for the finals.”
Operations manager for the two sites, Chris Liddell added: “Henry and the team at Barking George have put in sterling efforts this year to establish the inn with its new style and offering and we’re delighted that the application struck a chord with the judges.
“Barking George and The Harrogate Inn as a whole has been a solid performer for the group and it is very much thanks to the people of the town and district who give us their custom and have allowed us to qualify for these finals.
“Cindy and the team at Coniston have pushed their inn on for its dog-friendliness and it is brilliant that has seen it shortlisted as one of the country’s best pubs for dogs.
“With the most dog stays in the group, it is already popular with those wanting a relaxing getaway with their four-legged friends and hopefully as a result of making it to the final six even more people will want to come and sample what it has to offer.”