News & Updates
Marston's Pub Crowned Among Britain's Best at Great British Pub Awards
25th September 2026
It was a night to remember for The Honey Bee in Aylesbury, which was named Marston's Pub of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Great British Pub Awards in Leeds.
Recognised by the judges for its warm hospitality, commitment to charitable causes, strong local connections and consistently excellent guest experience, the national award caps off a remarkable 18 months for the pub, which underwent a major transformation in April 2025 converting it into one of Marston’s innovative new Two Door formats.
The £319,000 investment created two distinct spaces under one roof - a lively bar popular for local regulars and sports fans, alongside a cosy, family-friendly lounge for guests to relax and unwind - enhancing its appeal across all parts of the local community.
Since reopening, the team has built on the pub's role in the local area through a busy year-round programme of events. Charity quizzes, bingo nights, live music, themed celebrations and family activities have helped make The Honey Bee a regular meeting place for the Aylesbury community. The pub has also strengthened its sports offer, creating a vibrant home for supporters during major sporting fixtures.
Gavin Crisell, General Manager at The Honey Bee, said:
"We're absolutely delighted to receive this award. The investment gave us the foundations to create something really special, but it's the team who have brought it to life every day since.
"We always wanted The Honey Bee to be a pub that genuinely has something for everyone, whether that's families enjoying a meal together, friends meeting for drinks, people taking part in our events, or local groups looking for a welcoming place to come together. To be recognised at the Great British Pub Awards for that is incredibly rewarding and a real testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the whole team."
Charity is also central to life at The Honey Bee. So far this year, the pub has raised approximately £3,350 through quizzes, raffles, sponsored activities, community events and customer donations. The money has supported Breast Cancer UK, Comic Relief, Prostate Cancer UK, Emmett’s Genies and a range of other local causes.
Neil Campbell, Chief Operations Officer at Marston's, added:
"Huge congratulations to Gavin and the whole team at The Honey Bee on this richly deserved recognition. They live and breathe the values that make great pubs so special, delivering outstanding hospitality while creating a place that genuinely matters to the people around it.
"At Marston's, we talk about creating Pubs with Purpose, and The Honey Bee is a fantastic example of that in action. From supporting charitable causes and hosting community events to providing brilliant experiences for guests every day, the team has built a pub that sits at the heart of local life. We're incredibly proud to see their efforts recognised on a national stage."
The Great British Pub Awards celebrate the very best pubs and pub operators from across the UK, recognising venues that are helping to set the benchmark for hospitality nationwide.