Latest news with #Fuller's
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
This Unexpected Spot Just Won Britain's Most Beautiful Pub Title
Tucked away on a charming street corner in West Ealing, London, The Forester has officially been crowned one of the nation's finest pubs, winning the coveted 'Community Local' category at the 2025 Pub Design Awards, hosted by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Judged by a panel of design and conservation experts in partnership with Historic England, the award celebrates pubs that showcase exceptional visual appeal, historical significance, and thoughtful restoration. And The Forester ticked all the boxes. Lovingly restored by owner Fuller's, the pub impressed judges with its architectural charm, deep community roots, and respectful refurbishment. It was toasted as one of "the most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs across the UK." Built in 1909 by architect T.H. Nowell Parr, The Forester is a classic example of Edwardian design, featuring columned porticoes, green-glazed brickwork, and gabled roofs. Inside, it retains original bar counters, Tudor-arched bar-backs, tiled fireplaces, and even remnants of gas lighting. One saloon room boasts London's only surviving bell-pushes once used for waiter service, still marked with the word 'BELL'. The Art Nouveau stained glass adds a layer of elegance, while the former publican's office remains at the heart of the servery. After a brief closure, The Forester reopened in March 2024 following a sensitive restoration. Its rear lounge now serves popular Thai cuisine, blending heritage with modern hospitality. Andrew Davison, chairman of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, praised the winners for their dedication to preserving Britain's pub culture. Speaking to The Mirror, he said, "The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added, "From inviting street-corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK. The craftsmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded. I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings." Other winners at the 2025 Pub Design Awards included: Bod Lichfield in Stratford, which won Best New Build for its "industrial chic" aesthetic, featuring recycled wood, distressed paintwork, and exposed ceiling pipes. Swan in Suffolk, recipient of the Historic England Conservation Award, recognised for preserving original features. B orough Beer House in Surrey and the now-closed Python's Arms in Lyonshall, Herefordshire, were joint winners in the Conversion to Pub Use category.
Time Out
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This is officially the most beautiful pub in London
It's what you've all been waiting for, yes, it's CAMRA's Pub Design Awards 2025! Celebrating 'the most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs across the UK', one London pub scored big in the awards. Congratulations to The Forester in Ealing, which won the 'Community Local' category. The award was judged by design and conservation experts, and are run alongside the good people of Historic England to 'highlight both the importance and vulnerability of pub architecture'. The Community Local category is all about outstanding renovation of street-corner pubs, a Fuller's pub, the Forester won because of its 'respectful refurbishment' of its Edwardian fireplaces and Art Nouveau-style stained glass. Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, commented: 'The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation. 'From inviting streetcorner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded. I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings.' The Forester, 2 Leighton Road, Ealing, W13 9EP. The best pubs in London, according to Time Out.
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
I've discovered a unique pub with a real beach in central London – we sipped wine with our feet in the sand
LIVING in central London can sometimes make you feel boxed-in - like there is no escape of either countryside or sea. And whilst this is one of the sacrifices you have to make when you live in the Advertisement 6 Founder's Arms is located on the Thames between The Tate and Blackfriars station Credit: Cyann Fielding 6 In addition to the beach below, there is an outdoor terrace Credit: cyann fielding 6 When the tide is out, the golden sand beach appears Credit: cyann fielding Well, after five years of living in the capital - I have finally found that spot. Between the Tate Modern and London Blackfriars Station, the Founder's Arms on the River Thames seems like an ordinary Fuller's pub. But when the sun is shining and the tide washes out, directly beneath the pub a Now, I know you might be thinking that the Advertisement Read more on beach pubs But when I say beach, I mean it - golden sand and all. Myself and fellow travel reporter, Alice Penwill grabbed a glass of wine and headed down to the beach. A medium glass of white cost me just over £7 - and for a lunchtime tipple, I would say it was a generous medium. The sitting in the beaming sunshine, watching a couple Advertisement Most read in News Travel Whilst the water obviously doesn't looking inviting, we were sat on a beach in the city, with wine - all during our lunch break. Not many Londoners can say they have popped to the beach during the working day. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach The beach was also surprisingly clean, with only a few stones scattered across. A couple nearby visitors were investigating the beach - presumably Advertisement But the most noticeable difference compare to the Despite not having an ice cream in my hand, I felt confident that if I did have one, it wouldn't have been snatched by an over-confident bird. The pub itself also has a nice seating area outside, that overlooks the Thames and across to 6 Alice (right) and I (left) nipped down to catch some sun and sand on a lunch break Credit: cyann fielding Advertisement 6 From both the pub and the beach, you can see London's impressive skyline Credit: cyann fielding If the weather does take a turn for the worse, like it often does in the UK, there is also a bar inside and plenty of seating that looked comfy and cosy. Pooches are also welcome in the pub, thankfully. Make sure to head to Advertisement In the mean time, there is another Plus, the E 6 Make sure to check the tide times to know when the beach appears Credit: cyann fielding
Powys County Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Fuller's hiked pint prices after staff costs soared
The boss of pub firm Fuller's has said the group hiked the price of a pint of beer by about 15p across its bars after being hit with £8 million in extra staff costs. Fuller, Smith & Turner chief executive Simon Emeny said the firm raised prices at the end of March in response to the Chancellor's tax raid in last October's Budget, which saw employers' national insurance contributions (NICs) increase from April. In a double whammy for firms, they also faced another rise in the minimum wage from April, with pubs and hospitality companies among the worst hit. Mr Emeny told the PA news agency that Fuller's has looked to be 'sensitive' with price increases, to 'make sure that going to the pub remains an affordable treat'. He said the group would keep its pricing 'under review' over the rest of the year. The group is the latest to raise the cost of a pint as pub chains look to offset soaring staff bills. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) recently said the average price of a pint of beer would surge past £5 for the first time because of cost hikes hitting the sector. The BBPA said the average cost of a pint in the UK is expected to rise by about 21p as a result. But Fuller's boss Emeny said the firm could not offset the cost impact with price increases alone. The group, which has about 5,500 staff, is doubling down on investment in its bars and staff training, to drive sales higher, which it hopes will counter the extra costs. 'Six months down the line and I don't think price increases are the only answer. It has to come through higher sales,' he said. But he said the consumer spending outlook would be sensitive to the interest rate outlook, and whether the Government moved to increase personal taxes. The comments came as Fuller's posted a 32% jump in underlying pre-tax profits to £27 million for the year to March 29. Like-for-like sales rose 5.2%, and the group said growth had continued into the first 10 weeks of the new financial year, albeit at a more muted rate of 4.2%. It also announced that its chairman of 18 years, Michael Turner, a member of one of the three founding families, will retire at the group's annual general meeting in July, after a 47-year career with the group. He will be replaced by Mr Emeny, who will become executive chairman, the first person to take the role who is not a member of the founding families. Fred Turner will be promoted from retail director to chief operating officer. A number of other founding family members remain on the board, including non-executive directors Sir James Fuller and Richard Fuller. On his final set of full-year figures for the group, the outgoing chairman said it had been an 'excellent' past year. Mr Turner added: 'This strong performance has been achieved despite the business operating in a challenging and, at times volatile, economic environment. 'The geopolitical situation has caused uncertainty in global markets and the decisions made by the Chancellor in her October budget hit the sector hard and reduced confidence in hospitality stocks.' An outspoken critic of the move to raise national insurance contributions (NICs) from April, Mr Turner said: 'The changes to national insurance contributions took everyone by surprise and I fear it could be terminal for a number of smaller operators in our market.'
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fuller's hiked pint prices after staff costs soared
The boss of pub firm Fuller's has said the group hiked the price of a pint of beer by about 15p across its bars after being hit with £8 million in extra staff costs. Fuller, Smith & Turner chief executive Simon Emeny said the firm raised prices at the end of March in response to the Chancellor's tax raid in last October's Budget, which saw employers' national insurance contributions (NICs) increase from April. In a double whammy for firms, they also faced another rise in the minimum wage from April, with pubs and hospitality companies among the worst hit. Mr Emeny told the PA news agency that Fuller's has looked to be 'sensitive' with price increases, to 'make sure that going to the pub remains an affordable treat'. He said the group would keep its pricing 'under review' over the rest of the year. The group is the latest to raise the cost of a pint as pub chains look to offset soaring staff bills. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) recently said the average price of a pint of beer would surge past £5 for the first time because of cost hikes hitting the sector. The BBPA said the average cost of a pint in the UK is expected to rise by about 21p as a result. But Fuller's boss Emeny said the firm could not offset the cost impact with price increases alone. The group, which has about 5,500 staff, is doubling down on investment in its bars and staff training, to drive sales higher, which it hopes will counter the extra costs. 'Six months down the line and I don't think price increases are the only answer. It has to come through higher sales,' he said. But he said the consumer spending outlook would be sensitive to the interest rate outlook, and whether the Government moved to increase personal taxes. The comments came as Fuller's posted a 32% jump in underlying pre-tax profits to £27 million for the year to March 29. Like-for-like sales rose 5.2%, and the group said growth had continued into the first 10 weeks of the new financial year, albeit at a more muted rate of 4.2%. It also announced that its chairman of 18 years, Michael Turner, a member of one of the three founding families, will retire at the group's annual general meeting in July, after a 47-year career with the group. He will be replaced by Mr Emeny, who will become executive chairman, the first person to take the role who is not a member of the founding families. Fred Turner will be promoted from retail director to chief operating officer. A number of other founding family members remain on the board, including non-executive directors Sir James Fuller and Richard Fuller. On his final set of full-year figures for the group, the outgoing chairman said it had been an 'excellent' past year. Mr Turner added: 'This strong performance has been achieved despite the business operating in a challenging and, at times volatile, economic environment. 'The geopolitical situation has caused uncertainty in global markets and the decisions made by the Chancellor in her October budget hit the sector hard and reduced confidence in hospitality stocks.' An outspoken critic of the move to raise national insurance contributions (NICs) from April, Mr Turner said: 'The changes to national insurance contributions took everyone by surprise and I fear it could be terminal for a number of smaller operators in our market.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
