A picturesque Devon pub has scooped a prestigious industry award in its second year of trading. The Harbour Inn at Axmouth, situated less than a mile from Seaton and the Jurassic Coast, is home to Michelin-trained and former South West Chef of the Year finalist Shaun Cassidy and his team.
The thatched inn is part of the Dorset-based Hall & Woodhouse estate that comprises more than 250 pubs across southern England. Their annual business awards, held in Blandford Forum, seek to recognise the best operators in the country from the estate of managed houses.
In their first year of entering, the Harbour Inn was shortlisted for Best Marketing, Best Newcomer and for Chicken Shack (their own brand of high welfare, takeaway fried chicken) Best New Idea. This time they won Best New Idea, with the pub also finishing as runners-up in the first two categories.
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Shaun said: “Our aim from day one has been to do the simple things well – food, drink, takeaways, weddings and functions, all underpinned by excellent hospitality. We want the Harbour to be accessible to everyone and work is already underway to develop our fried chicken in the months ahead with a new bespoke kitchen, service area and professional rebrand. Bring on the summer and let’s get cooking!”
Scott Rhodes-Ward, Business Development Partner for Hall & Woodhouse added: “It’s extremely tough out there for pub landlords at the moment but Shaun is one of our most promising business partners. In just over 17 months, through sheer hard work he has already transformed the business and now, on the back of these awards, has ambitious plans for the future which we wholeheartedly support.”
Open seven days a week and employing a total of 20 staff, the property comprises a spacious interior with huge medieval fireplace, a private dining area, separate function/games room, a patio area and large beer garden beside the Axe estuary. Many ingredients are sourced within 10 miles of the kitchen including native, high welfare meat from Taste of Devon butchers in Seaton, game from local shoots, sustainably caught day boat fish from Lyme Bay and Beer, together with organic salad leaves from nearby Trill Farm and dairy from Sutton Lucy Dairy near Honiton.
As well as buying and employing locally, the pub is an active supporter of Seaton Cricket Club, Axminster Fire Station and most recently, Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends. For more information on the pub go here.
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