The Chequers, Chipping Norton, takes inaugural Publican of the Year title in Fuller’s pub awards

Joe Glover and Kevin Dursley, Tenants at The Chequers in Chipping Norton, [Goddards Lane, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NP] have today [28 October 2026] been crowned as Fuller's inaugural Publican of the Year champions. The competition is open to all 154 pubs in the Fuller's Tenanted Inns estate and is a new award to recognise innovation, creativity, exceptional leadership and hospitality among Fuller's Tenants.

The award is part of the Fuller's annual pub of the year competition - which used to see both Managed and Tenanted pubs competing together for the Griffin Trophy. The hospitality sector has changed since the competition launched in 1978 and it is harder than ever to fairly compare two such different styles of pub operations. The decision was made to launch the Publican of the Year competition in tandem and The Chequers - which took the Griffin Trophy in both 1994 and 1999, long before Joe and Kevin arrived on the scene - is the first winner of this new award.

As well as being financially successful, Joe and Kevin have focused on making The Chequers a real heart of the Chipping Norton community. They have built a far-reaching reputation for being a place that is welcoming to all and that puts its customers first. They take great pride in working with local suppliers and believe that neighbourhood integration is one of the elements that keeps the pub relevant and busy. They make excellent use of social media, and their hard work is clearly rewarded.

The three finalists in Fuller's Publican of the Year were visited by a judging panel comprising Fuller's Executive Chairman Simon Emeny, People & Talent Director Dawn Browne and Marketing Director Sam Bourke - who selected the winning pub, and the category and overall winners for the Griffin Trophy for Fuller's Managed Pubs and Hotels too.

Fuller's Executive Chairman, Simon Emeny, said: "Joe and Kevin at The Chequers are a real tour de force. They know exactly how to deliver a first-class experience for their customers but also harness the power of systems to make sure that they are always on top of their finances - which is crucial for any small business. It's a level of enterprise that is rare - and it gives them the stability to deliver brilliant customer service from an engaged and well-trained team. It's a masterclass in running a Tenanted pub."

Joe Glover, Tenant of The Chequers, said: "Wow - we are blown away to take this award. It means the world to us, and we can't wait to share the success with our team. We have worked hard to make sure that we have the best pub in the area, underpinned by astute financial management, and it's great to see that being recognised. We will absolutely be celebrating with our team and our customers - and we're excited to see how we can build on this success in the future."

The pub receives a stunning, bespoke, 3D Publican of the Year plaque. Joe and Kevin will also receive a holiday voucher for £5,000 and a staff party to recognise the contribution made by the whole team to the pub's success.

For further information, please contact the press office:

Georgina Wald 020 8996 2198 [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

Publican of the Year (for Tenanted and Leased sites)

Winner: The Chequers, Chipping Norton

Runner-up: The Berkeley Arms, Chichester

Runner-up: The Red Lion, Ealing

The Griffin Trophy (for Managed Pubs and Hotels) Overall Winner 2026

The Red Lion, Barnes

Best Premium Neighbourhood Site:

Winner: The Red Lion, Barnes

Runner-up: The Vaults, Southsea

Runner-up: The Prince's Head, Richmond

Best Destination Site:

Winner: The Queen's Head, Bromsgrove

Runner-up: The Wykeham Arms, Winchester

Runner-up: Bel & The Dragon, Odiham

Best London City Site:

Winner: The Counting House, Cornhill

Runner-up: The Swan Tavern, EC3

Runner-up: The Iron Duke, Mayfair

Fuller's in a nutshell:

Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC is a premium pubs and hotels business. With an outstanding estate of iconic pubs and hotels across the Southern half of England, our purpose is to create experiences that nourish the soul. At our heart is the warm and inviting welcome of a fantastic pub or hotel, delivered by an exceptional team of over 5,000 talented individuals. We have been delighting our customers - with delicious, fresh, seasonal food, an exciting drinks range, and wonderful bedrooms - for over 180 years. Fuller's has 194 Managed Pubs and Hotels, with 1040 bedrooms and 154 Tenanted Inns, all aiming to ensure that everyone leaves that little bit happier than they arrived.