Ealing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Castle Inn in Ealing has been named the joint winners of Fuller’s annual Glorious Gardens competition, recognizing its gardens and outdoor space.
The competition, which is in its fourth year, honors the nation’s 153 tenanted inns with the best pub gardens.
Last year’s winner, Paul Marsh, staged an awards event at The Queen’s Head in Chesham where publican Sam Malham, who owns The Castle in St Mary’s Road, received a plaque and a monetary reward.
Iain Rippon, Fuller’s Tenanted Director, visited five of the pubs on the shortlist in the competition’s final stage and commended the competitors’ inventiveness and accuracy in Ealing.
Mr Malham said:
“I’m delighted to have won this competition. We’re really proud of our outdoor space and have worked hard to make it comfortable all year round.
It’s a small garden but we’ve used every corner to maximise its potential. I’d especially like to thank my colleague Dean Packman, whose hard work has made it what it is today.”
Both winners impressed judges with their creative designs and sense of community, making this year’s conclusion the closest yet, according to Mr. Rippon.
He emphasized gardens that grow vegetables and herbs for use in bar food and beverages, as well as those that promote biodiversity through insect hotels and wildflower areas.
How is Fuller’s Glorious Gardens competition judged?
Amenities that provide customer comfort and service experience, such as outdoor kitchens, alfresco dining areas and weather-related considerations (for example marquees).
Sustainability initiatives and aspects of the pub’s engagement within the community (demonstrated through garden themes or installations). The overall impression and contribution of the garden to the pub’s trade throughout the seasons.
The finalists will be selected and visited in person by Fuller’s Tenanted Director and judges, who will access the gardens in person before selecting winners. The winners will be acknowledged at award celebrations in front of their peers and can expect a new plaque and cash prize to reward the hard work that publicans and their teams put in maintaining these trading areas.