A DENTON pub’s management is officially among the best in the country after making the shortlist to be named Licensee of the Year.
Vicki Williams and Zac Williams-Wolfe, of the Fletchers Arms, on Stockport Road, have made a six-strong group from which the winner of the honour run by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) will be crowned.
They have already undergone a rigorous application process, including a professional mystery diner, where they received near full marks, and a two-hour interview with the head judges.
They now face further panel interviews in London and will find out on June 18 if they have been crowned Licensee of the Year 2024.
General manager Zac said: “To be recognised by the BII means such a lot, it is an integral body within the hospitality industry.
“This award really is as good as it gets for business partners.”
Director and business partner Vicki added: “We received the news last week that we’d made it to the finals but had to keep it under wraps until the BII had announced their final six.
“We’ve been dying to share our news. Now we have we’ve been overwhelmed by the lovely comments we’ve received from our guests.
“It’s a very proud moment for us.”
Vicki and Zac face competition from The Royal Dyche in Burnley, Lancashire – which was named after the town’s football club’s former manager, now Everton boss Sean Dyche.
Dartford Sports Bar in Kent, The Castle Inn in Castle Donington, Derbyshire, The Woodman Pub in Ruislip, Middlesex and The Old Swan in Earls Barton, Northamptonshire are also in the running.