A POPULAR pub in Parkgate is celebrating reaching the finals of Greene King's Night of Excellence Awards.

The Red Lion Pub was taken over by Marc (31) and Jess Edmunds (27) in 2021. 

Speaking to the Globe about taking over the pub, Jess said: "It was something we couldn’t turn down.

"Having run the Wheatsheaf in Ness we knew what the area was like and the things it was missing that we could offer.

"Then to get the opportunity to refurbish the site with Greene King meant that we could give the pub a new lease of life and one that was very much needed."

Marc, Jess, the pub's manager John Clarke, along with their team of staff, found out that they had become a finalist in the Night of Excellence Awards earlier this month.

Jess added: "To be a finalist for the Night of Excellence Awards is an honour.

"Even if we don’t win what we have all achieved as a team is remarkable. Being a finalist helps us shout about all the hard work the team have put in over the last 18 months.

"John has many years experience in hospitality behind him having managed other establishments in Parkgate. He knows its residents well and in turn, has helped create a community hub that offers something for everyone."

The awards

The Night of Excellence Awards celebrate the success of great licensees and the businesses they run in partnership with Greene King Pub Partners.

They comprise of 15 awards ranging from Community Pub of the Year to Food Pub of the Year.

Entrants go through a strict judging process including mystery visits in order to be crowned award winners.

The Red Lion is up for the 'Best Development and Return on Investment' award. They are up against two other finalists from across the UK.

If they win, they are then in the running for Pub of the Year. 

Jess also wanted to thank all of their customers for their continued support over the past 18 months.

She said: "We would like to say to all those who have supported us over the last 18 months, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

"If it wasn’t for every single one of you we wouldn’t be where we are today. We are truly grateful and we are excited to see where else we can take the Red Lion over the next few years.

"We also want to thank our manager John and the rest of the team for the dedication they have shown to the Red Lion."

The awards evening will be held at end of the month.

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