A pair of north London landlords are up for two separate awards - including the title of best community pub.
Eamonn England and Arina Piskunova, who run The Windsor Castle in East Finchley, are down to the final six for the British Institute of Innkeeping’s (BII) licensee of the year award.
They were shortlisted for their community spirit, customer service, team support, sustainability, and plan to diversify their pub business.
Separately the duo are through to the second round of The Great British Pub Awards in the best community pub category.
The awards showcase the best in hospitality and community spirit and are judged a panel of top industry experts.
Eammon and Arina took over the cosy hidden gem in The Walks in 2022 and reopened it after an extensive refurbishment.
The independent boozer has regular quiz nights, sip and paint classes, and folk music sessions.
They also serve Sunday roasts and seasonal dishes including ingredients from their own kitchen garden - as well as having a beer garden.
The pub itself is more than 200 years old and started life as a bakehouse and two cottages before being converted into a working brewhouse around 1800.
Drinks wise they serve cask ales, have a wine list that includes organic and sustainable wines, and sell gins and vodka from Highgate’s Sacred Spirits distillery.
Posting on Instagram the couple wrote: "Thank you BII! This award really does mean a lot and will enable us to showcase all our achievements, our passion for hospitality and all things food & drink, continued and positive growth and development, our amazing team, and, above all else, our commitment to and love of our local community. Without local support we wouldn’t be here."
The BII say The Windsor Castle impressed with a perfect score during a mystery diner visit followed by interviews with the judges.
Steven Alton, chief executive of the BII, said it is rewarding the resilience of landlords in a challenging business environment.
"Our licensee of the year award is the most prestigious and hard-fought award, showcasing the dedication and excellence in our sector," he said.
"The final six this year represent a wide range of fantastic pubs, each offering a unique approach to the care and dedication to their teams and communities."
Final judging takes place on June 15, where three separate panels will interview the finalists, with trophies awarded on June 16 and the winner crowned.
The Great British Pub Awards are held in Leeds on September 23, 2026.
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