Bateman's scoops two Tastes Awards

March 6, 2006: Batemans, the Lincolnshire based brewery and retailer, has had two of its tenanted pubs recognised in two of the region's Tastes Awards.

Batemans' New Plough, at Covenham, is the winner of the Tastes of Lincolnshire Pub of the Year award. In a separate accolade, the runner-up in Lincolnshire Life's Tastes of Excellence Award, sponsored by Tastes of Lincolnshire, in the best pub food category, is Batemans' Bell Hotel, at Burgh Le Marsh.

The Taste Awards initiative is a Lincolnshire County Council/European Union-funded project, promoting local foods and drink. The New Plough was awarded gold by a team of mystery shoppers.

Mary Powell, Tastes of Lincolnshire project manager, said : "One thing highlighted by these visits was that everyone has enormous enthusiasm for local produce."

The Bell Hotel was voted for by thousands of readers of Lincolnshire Life, as well as a series of incognito judges. The panel was looking for ambiance, friendliness and knowledge of the staff, choice of menu and Lincolnshire produce, as well as value for money.

Jaclyn Bateman, marketing director of Batemans, said: "It is great to see that the effort that our pubs are putting into their menus is now being recognised by their customers, demonstrable by their votes, as well as initiatives such as the Tastes Awards.

"We are very proud of the New Plough and the Bell Hotel, which have both done so well in the face of some very stiff competition."

Husband and wife team Chris and Sharon Noble run The New Plough, Sharon said: "The award is fantastic for morale. Existing customers are really pleased for us and it is already bringing new customers into the village to seek us out."