Stroud Brewery has just won the title of Sustainable Pub of the Year in the Great British Pub Awards 2023.

The Oscars of the UK's pub industry celebrates the best of pub life, their hard work and commitment to their communities. This year, it had a record number of entrants.

Greg Pilley, Stroud Brewery founder and MD, and Ben Hudson, taproom manager, accepted the award at a ceremony at the Victoria Warehouse in the centre of Manchester.

Stroud Brewery beat five other finalists, pubs from around the country, to take this prized title. The brewery had already been through two tough rounds of judging, including a visit by one of the judges and an interview with the judging panel, to make it to the final.

The award isn't just fantastic recognition for the brewery, but also for how it is possible to run a successful business whilst doing what's right for people and the planet and keeping the local community at its heart.

Doing business and caring for the environment are not at odds with each other. Stroud Brewery was the first brewery in the UK to be certified as both organic and a B Corporation - a global corporate standard showing that a business has met rigorous standards and is genuinely reducing its impact on the environment.

Greg Pilley said: "Since the early days of the brewery, we've wanted to use the way we do business as a way of doing good - not only reducing our environmental impact, but going further and regenerating nature and the environment that sustains us all. Up to 50% more plant, insect and bird life can live on an organic farm compared to a conventional one.

"It's also a win-win for businesses - being more sustainable can reduce costs by reducing waste, reducing energy use and attracting more customers. Surveys show that more and more people want to spend their money with companies which they see are being responsible. With the cost-of-living crisis meaning people are going out less, being more sustainable is a great way to attract them when they do want to have an enjoyable evening out. Plus, it helps to create a healthier world that will support all of us. What's not to love?!"

Stroud Brewery is also offering to help other pubs start on their sustainability journey. It's channelling its own experience into its Sustainability in Pubs: Getting Started campaign. This is a free guide outlining 10 straightforward things pubs (or any hospitality outlet) can do to start helping to repair and regenerate the environment and nature. The free guide is available to download. 

Sustainable Pub of the Year is just the latest in a string of awards. During the summer, the brewery won 10 local and regional awards for its beer, its taproom and the way it runs the business.