From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 25 June 2018.

8 Shepherd Neame pubs in Kent have been recognised in the brewery's annual awards.

The Faversham brewery has held its annual awards - and plenty of pubs in Kent cleaned up at the special ceremony.

Shepherd Neame has announced the winners of its annual pub awards, with eight of its 322 pubs and hotels across London and the South East taking home prizes.

The awards were announced in a ceremony at the Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford on Tuesday, June 19 and honour pubs from all over the county, from Dover to Canterbury.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “This has been a year of record investment in our pub estate, as we aim to attract our customers through great design, to excite them with a superb offer and to retain them by providing a memorable experience.

“These awards are aimed at recognising the hard work, dedication, and creativity of our licensees, managers and staff, and celebrating excellence in our industry.”

This pub picked up one of the awards.

Dan and Simon Barton with Jonathan Neame.

The Royal Oak in New Ash Green has been named Turnaround Pub of the Year.

The Royal Oak was taken on by father and son team Simon and Daniel Barton in October 2016 and since then they have quadrupled its turnover.

Daniel is an experienced chef, and a large factor in the pub’s success is the delicious new menu he has introduced, offering traditional pub food with a contemporary twist. Judges also praised Simon and Daniel for successfully reaching out to the local community and building up a loyal new customer base.