St Austell Brewery’s food champion, Paul Drye, has won national recognition for the way he has helped revolutionise the Brewery’s food business and driven its local sourcing policy. 

Paul was named HQ Food Champion of the Year, beating off competition from some of the UK’s leading pub companies to scoop the title in The Publican Food and Drink Awards, run by leading trade magazine The Publican. 

The winners were last night (Tuesday November 4) revealed at a glittering ceremony at London’s Park Lane Intercontinental Hotel. 

St Austell Brewery has established itself as one of the leaders in developing the successful West Country food and drink sector and is recognised nationally as an industry leader for its locally sourced food, cask ales and quality of service. Paul’s latest award comes in the same year the Brewery was named the UK’s regional Brewer of the Year. 

Paul said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win the HQ Food Champion award which is a tribute to the efforts and commitment of everyone at the Brewery and the excellent chefs I am fortunate to work with across our estate. 

“In a year where the pub industry is under increasing pressure, we have found that by sticking to our guns and not succumbing to lowering standards we have managed to well and truly outperform the general trend.” 

Paul is a previous winner of the Food Champion Award, in 2005,  and St Austell Brewery won the Pub Company of the Year title in The Publican Food and Drink Awards in consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. 

James Staughton, St Austell Brewery Managing Director, said: “We’re extremely proud of Paul for again bringing back the national title in the Publican Food and Drink Awards and delighted that his hard work and enthusiasm is continuing to be recognised in the industry nationwide. 

“The ethos Paul has developed runs right throughout our food business – offering the best in freshly cooked food, prepared with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients under the direction of well trained chefs, and all accompanied by great service and a warm welcome.” 

Caroline Nodder, editor of The Publican said: “All our winners and finalists are true ambassadors for the pub industry. They have drive, dedication and professionalism by the bucketload and are truly an inspiration to us all. Proof, if needed, that pubs are alive and well and leading the hospitality sector forward."