'We're blown away': Bristol boozer pips 2,400 pubs across UK to win prestigious Heineken award

Out of 2,400 pubs nationwide, it is one of only six to receive this accolade—and the sole winner in the South West. The award celebrates The Langton’s vital role in the local community. Adding to the excitement, the pub has also been shortlisted as a finalist in the national Great British Pub Awards, with the winner set to be revealed in Leeds this September.

Publican Paul Frost and his fiancée Eva received the award from Star Pubs’ business development manager, Gavin Perkins. Since taking over in 2019, following a £500,000 refurbishment, Paul has transformed The Langton into a welcoming, family and dog-friendly hub. The pub now employs 16 staff and eight yoga instructors, and has become central to community life.

“We are thrilled to have been given this award and are blown away to have been announced as a finalist in the Great British Pub Awards as it’s always nice to have your work recognised,” said Paul. “Running a pub and bringing people from all walks of life together to have a good time is a wonderful and important community role.

“Where else do we get the chance in this modern world to meet real people in the real world and hear different points of view. Online can be divisive and isolating whereas socialising in a pub is the opposite.

“We’ve made Bristol based charity The Marmalade Trust our official charity and intend to raise money for them and raise awareness of loneliness and how it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

“With that in mind, we’re planning to bring residents of different ages together for free coffee mornings on a weekly basis. Social interaction is important if not the most important thing for a good quality of life.”

During the pandemic, The Langton served as a lifeline, running a pop-up shop and delivering Sunday roasts to locals. This commitment continues with events like the annual Spring Party, offering live music, food, games, and family fun. The couple also created a Wellness Centre in the pub’s Club Room, which hosts yoga, dance, and wellness sessions.

In response to local need, Paul recently launched a weekday café offering breakfast, coffee, and lunch options. The Langton actively supports local artists, musicians, and charities through events such as the BS4 Arts Trail, where stall fees are donated to causes like St Peter’s Hospice and St Anne’s House.

Further enhancing the space, Paul has revamped the outdoor areas with gardens and a covered rear terrace. Looking ahead, the couple plans to host a winter community party, more craft fairs, and jumble sales to continue bringing people together.

“Only a handful out of 2400 pubs have been selected for an award this year and only one in the South West – The Langton,” said Bruce Wellman. “It speaks volumes about the impact Paul and Eva have had on the local Orsett community since taking on The Langton Arms and their hard work, passion and commitment to both The Langton Arms and the St Annes community.

“It’s not just Star Pubs that recognises what a great local The Langton Arms is and appreciates Paul and Eva’s community efforts,” Bruce added. “The Langton is thriving. So, congratulations to Paul and Eva from Star Pubs and on behalf of your many happy regulars and wishing you the best of luck from us all in the Great British Pub Awards later this year. Cheers!”