The British pub future is ‘on the line’ say award-winning Oxfordshire pub duo

Two friends that run The Three Horseshoes tavern on Witney’s Corn Street have been crowned the licensees of the year at the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) awards.

Held at the Royal Artillery Gardens in London on Tuesday June 17, Mike Dove and Tommy Higgs beat over 500 other nominations, impressing the panel of industry experts.

Steve Alton, chief executive of the BII, said: “This is the most rigorous and intense competition in our industry, and I’d like to offer a massive congratulations to Mike and Tommy.”

Speaking on the win, Mr Higgs said they were “very humbled that our small little pub in Witney has been able to achieve something of this calibre”.

At the award ceremony, from left to right: Tom Higgs, David Stallard of Admiral Taverns, Mike Dove (Image: Admiral Taverns) Mr Dove said the key to their success was “being ourselves” and putting the community front and centre.

Indeed, through their work running The Three Horseshoes, the two friends have raised nearly £50,000 for charity.

Considering their newfound profile, both Mr Dove and Mr Higgs are determined to speak out for the sector.

“If the pub decline continues to happen,” said Mr Higgs, “then by 2030 there will be none left”.

The pub chiefs won at the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) awards (Image: Admiral Taverns) He added that there were millions of jobs on the line, from cleaners to brewers.

Speaking directly to the government, Mr Higgs said that if they “want to grow the country it needs to recognise what this industry can do because the money is tight”.

Mr Dove added that “it is about time the government started to listen” saying that reducing the brewers’ tax and u-turning on the National Insurance rise would be a start.

He added: “The good British pub is within our very fabric. The powers that be love eating in pubs and restaurants and they need to step up.”

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“In the next 12 months we might have a bigger voice because of the award. With it, we will speak out for the industry.”

The Three Horseshoes is in Witney (Image: Admiral Taverns) Referring to their regular trade, both said that many customers had become friends and that highlights have included the visits of ex-footballer Graeme Souness and cricket broadcasting legend Henry Blofeld.

The owner of The Three Horseshoes is Admiral Taverns, and the company’s CEO spoke of his pride at Mr Dove and Mr Higgs’ win.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled for Mike and Tommy – what an incredible, well-deserved achievement that reflects everything we believe here at Admiral.

“Since taking the pub over just two years ago, our licensees have created a vibrant social hub that offers residents so much more than just a place to drink and this award stands testament to that.”