Susan is a Sussex Star !
Susan Stoten is a Sussex Newspaper Sussex Star. Why?
Because has donated her prize money to a photographer severely wounded in Afghanistan after winning Shepherd Neame’s Tenanted Pub of the Year in the Kent brewery’s annual pub awards.
Licensee Susan Stoten, who has run the Hastings Arms since 2004, has raised thousands for former colleague Giles Duley who lost both legs and an arm in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan while working as a photographer.
Susan received the award from chief executive Jonathan Neame at the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards 2011 held at the Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford.
She told The Sussex Newspaper: “The award came as a massive shock, but I was so pleased to win. I am giving the prize money of £750 to Giles. He’s a dear friend and an amazing person.”
During the ceremony, Susan was complimented for the quality of the food and drink at the pub as well as its key role in the life of the historic seaside town.
Shepherd Neame’s tenanted trade director, George Barnes, said: “During her tenure she has developed a high quality and distinctive food and drink trade within a competitive market. The pub is a magnet for visitors to Hastings Old Town.”
A total of 13 Shepherd Neame pubs won awards for different aspects of running a successful pub, such as serving great food, pulling the perfect pint or being at the heart of the local community.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year – The Woolpack, Banstead
Managed Business of the Year – Ship & Trades, Chatham Maritime
Tenanted Pub of the Year – Hastings Arms, Hastings
Managers of the Year – The Crown Inn, Chislehurst
New Licensee of the Year – The Belle Vue, Pegwell Bay
Pub Restaurant of the Year – The Granville, Lower Hardres, Canterbury
Pub Food of the Year – The Sun Inn, Faversham
Wine Pub of the Year – George & Dragon, Ightham
Perfect Pint – Hoop & Grapes, Farringdon
Heart of the Community – The Mermaid, Bishopsbourne
Best Garden of the Year – The Peacock, Goudhurst
Small Garden / Hanging Baskets – The Anglesey Arms, Bromley
Lifetime Achievement – Griffin’s Head, Chillenden
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