Brewery toasts industry Oscar

Ossett Brewery, which has pubs across North Kirklees was crowned Best Microbrewery Pub Company for the success of its pub estate at the national Publican Awards 2013.

The brewery has been going for 16 years, originally just supplying beer, but in 2003 it branched out into buying and running its own pubs.

The first was Liversedge’s Black Bull, which is still regarded as its flagship, and it now has a total of 19 pubs.

Among them are the Hop live music venues in Leeds, Wakefield and Sheffield.

As well as praising the company’s guest ale policy the judges said they were also impressed with the synergy between cask ale and live music in the Hop venues saying it was: ‘unthinkable five years ago to imagine cask ale as the default drink of choice in venues focused around live gigs’.

The awards’ tough judging process included undercover pub visits and rigorous interviews with judges – including city analysts, industry consultants, business journalists and pub guide editors.

Joint managing director Mike Inman said: “We are delighted. This is like a Pub Oscar.

“It is the highest recognition from our industry peers and colleagues for our successful formula of cask ale led community and music pubs - all enjoying success despite the economic climate when many pubs are closing.

“While we are a small company, we have a very talented group of staff and this award - more than any other - is a recognition of everyone’s hard work, from those at the brewery to all those working at our 19 pubs.”

Ossett has won many brewing awards for its best-selling beers Excelsior, Silver King, Yorkshire Blonde, Big Red and Pale Gold.

The latest award was presented by TV star Rob Brydon at a ceremony in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.