Prestigious hospitality award win 'means the world' to Old Windsor pub

An Old Windsor pub has won a prestigious culinary accolade representing British hospitality ‘at its best’.

The Caterer magazine’s ‘The Cateys’ awards, held in partnership with Square, are judged by industry peers to recognise exceptional talent and pioneering businesses within the sector.

Adam Handling MBE’s The Loch & the Tyne was crowned winner of this year’s Pub & Bar Award during a ceremony presented by Myleene Klass at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Monday evening (July 7).

More than 100 judges, chosen for their expertise, industry knowledge, and past success as Catey winners, met for three days of intense debate to shortlist the nominees.

They praised The Loch & the Tyne for its ‘world-class’ rooms and cited its sustainability commitment as a major factor for scooping the top prize.

Owned by chef Adam Handling, the venue’s menu emphasises sustainable practices and grows its own produce on-site.

The Loch & the Tyne team strives to be more sustainable and creative, whether it’s turning the Christmas tree into pine salt or partnering with local businesses to prevent food waste.

As the head of the Adam Handling Collection of restaurants, pubs, bars and a chocolate shop, including The Loch & the Tyne, Chef Adam picked up the award on Monday.

“I’m super proud that we've won this - it's recognition for the incredible team we have here, led by our Chef Proprietor, Steven Kerr,” he said.

“I may have picked up the award, but without the unwavering commitment of Steven, it couldn’t have happened.

“We’ve worked together for 19 years now, and I can’t wait for the next 19 and beyond. Being recognised by our industry friends really means the world to us.”

According to the judges, the cocktail menu is a testament to the team’s creativity and dedication to sustainability.

Alongside classic cocktails, it features seasonal specials, while kitchen off-cuts are ingeniously distilled into unique spirits.

As well as being awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 5 stars from the AA (the highest-rated accommodation in the Windsor area), The Loch & the Tyne was awarded Highest New Entry (no. 27) in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2022.

It also won Best Pub for Food 2023 in the Great British Pub Awards, a Bronze Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award, Silver Pub of the Year Award in the Beautiful South Tourism Awards 2023-2024 and sits at no. 23 in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list this year.

The Caterer editor James Stagg said: “It’s been incredibly special to welcome some of the country’s top operators back to Grosvenor House to celebrate the best of the hospitality industry.

“This year’s winners showcase the breadth of talent across the sector, whether it’s large contract caterers, independent restaurateurs or hotel managers making a difference for their teams.”