Deerhound wins Liberation Group’s Pub of the Year

The Forest-based pub and restaurant went head to head against nearly 100 other establishments under the Liberation Group umbrella and came out top.

As well as winning the Pub of the Year award, The Deerhound also took home the Talk of the Town award.

‘There are four awards for each of the values and we’ve won one of those as well as Pub of the Year, which is the big one,’ said general manager Rob Kerslake-Smith.

‘The company has let us innovate and grow ourselves. The team comes up with ideas and we’ve been able to execute those as well.’

Some of the regular events held by the Deerhound include weekly pie nights, curry nights and Sunday carveries and it has recently hosted tapas nights inspired by former local restaurant White D’or.

‘The Talk of the Town award means that everyone is talking about the Deerhound in a positive way,’ said assistant manager Craig Duquemin.

‘We’re number one on Trip Advisor in Guernsey at the minute and a Pride of Guernsey nomination for customer service came up as well.

‘Visitors book in with us before they even arrive in the island.’

Whether a customer is popping in for a coffee or a three-course meal, the team said that being welcoming and accommodating to customers was their priority, with the goal of everyone leaving having enjoyed a good experience.

‘It’s great that all of the hard work that the whole team has put in has been recognised because it’s a team effort,’ said Mr Duquemin.

‘For someone to say you’re doing a good job is great but to have the company saying that is brilliant.’

The team at the Deerhound is hoping to display the two trophies at the entrance to the restaurant.

Another Liberation pub, Thomas de la Rue, was awarded the group’s Set the Bar High trophy.