Popular Bray pub wins prestigious national award for its food offering

A popular Bray pub has taken home a prestigious national award for its food offering.

The Great British Pub Awards event celebrates the best of pubs across the country and Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-starred The Hinds Head is one of them.

The winners were announced at a ceremony at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on September 17 with the Bray High Street gastropub scooping ‘Best Pub for Food’.

The Hinds Head executive chef Peter Gray said: 'Winning this award feels incredible, especially as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.

“It’s not just a victory for the Hinds Head, but for every member of our team and all the customers who have supported us along the way.

“This award is a true testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication that drives us as a team.

“Heston’s creative vision continues to shape everything we do, from the historical elements on our menu to the unique Heston twist we bring to every detail, whether it's homemade snacks or fun additions like the children’s ice cream parlour.

“We’re always striving to offer something different while maintaining the highest quality.

“As a group, we take immense pride in every achievement—big or small. Whether it’s celebrating a promotion or passing a wine exam, we always share these moments together.

“And now, sharing this award with the whole team and our customers makes it all the more special. It’s an unforgettable milestone, especially as we mark two decades of the Hinds Head.”

Meanwhile, The Swan in Clewer won ‘Best Community Pub’.

The Swan director Richard Allen previously told the Express that it won the Keeping The Community Entertained category in the 2020 Great British Pub Awards but couldn't attend the awards ceremony due to COVID restrictions.

"It seems a bit more special this time so we're really pleased about it,” he said.

"We're quite diverse in our community activities and they're not all aimed at making lots of money. They're just aimed at giving people the opportunity to come and get involved in something.

"It really is about trying to stop the epidemic of loneliness that's plaguing communities."

The Mill Lane pub freehold was purchased by Swan Clewer Community Interest Company in 2019 and has a sixth-form school onsite.

The award comes as The Swan celebrated its fifth birthday under new management on July 19, marked with a 'Christmas in July' event.