Fullers reveals its ‘Pub of the Year’

The Half Moon in Herne Hill, London, has been named the winner of the annual Pub of the Year competition.

The award, held by Fullers, followed an “extensive” selection process. Eight finalists of The Griffin Trophy were visited by chairman Michael Turner, CEO Simon Emeny, and corporate affairs director Richard Fuller, before the winner was chosen.

The result was announced at a ceremony held at Brewers’ Hall on Thursday 21 November.

The Half Moon features three bars, a dining area, large pub garden, and function room that hosts private events. It also features 12 bedrooms, each one named after the 12 men who have walked on the moon.

Fuller’s acquired the site in 2016 after it was damaged by flooding. Development began to fully restore the site with the inclusion of original features.

Fuller’s faced some local opposition when it announced its plans for development. Chairman Michael Turner said that “Matt and his team worked hard to be a part of the local community”, and meetings with local residents were held to include neighbours in development plans.

Turner added: “This is a well earned award for Matt, and I’m delighted to be presenting it to him. The Half Moon is a stunning pub steeped in cultural history and at the heart of its local community.”

Matt Dutson, manager of the site, said: “I am really chuffed with winning this award – it’s a fantastic surprise. My team and I have been on quite a journey with The Half Moon, so I’d like to thank them, and our customers, for making my pub a truly special place.”

The prize also included a £5,000 holiday, staff party and engraved plaque, as well as the Griffin Trophy itself.

Other winners included: The Swan Hotel in Staines for Best Hotel/Inn; Ye Olde Whyte Harte in Hamble-le-Rice for Best Country/Village Pub category; The Prince Albert in Twickenham for Best Town/Local Pub and The Victoria, London, for Best City Pub.