A pub group started 10 years ago when former banker Philip Turner snapped up his local near Newmarket has scooped a major industry accolade.
The Chestnut Group has won The Caterer's Pub and Bar Award at a prestigious annual event called The Cateys.
Judges described the fast-growing group - which now owns 16 properties with a total of 224 bedrooms across East Anglia including The Packhorse at Moulton, The Westleton Crown and The Feathers at Holt - as "a collection of beautiful pubs".
Mr Turner - who felt strongly that there was huge scope to develop a quality pubs brand operating across the region's great towns and beauty spots - expressed his delight at the accolade.
“We are absolutely delighted to win this award, which really are the ‘Oscars’ of the hospitality industry,” he said.
"Over the last 10 years we have put an incredible effort into building the Chestnut business and brand, and to receive this award from our peers demonstrates that the hard work, energy and belief of everyone involved in this journey has been worth it."
The Caterer praised the ambition of the group, which has created the Chestnut Academy to train its staff and foster camaraderie, developed a Giving Tree charitable foundation and focused on creating a sustainable business.
It is keen to cater for under-served demographics such as dog owners with its Chestmutts initiative and improve the overall guest experience, The Caterer said.
It has also invested hugely in upgrading its properties - a move which has paid off.
It saw like-for-like sales sales soar by 23% year-on-year in the year to December 2022. Its annual revenue is on course to rise by 18%.
Judge Jillian MacLean said: "The team have built a beautiful business in East Anglia and are very much deserving of this award and their contribution to the region."
Fellow judge André Ferreira said: "Running an independent establishment is challenging enough.
"Running a multi-site operation is another level, and Chestnut have nailed this. They have a wonderful array of establishments to visit.
The group is on a winning streak. It scooped the Best Pub Brand/Concept Award at the 20222 Publican Awards and founder and chief executive Philip Turner was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism (East of England 2023) title.
Among the other top pubs the group - based at Bury St Edmunds - owns are The Black Lion at Long Melford, The Northgate at Bury St Edmunds, The Ship at Dunwich, The Crown at Stoke-by-Nayland, The Globe at Wells and The Cricketers at Clavering.
It also recently snapped up Peter Graham Wines in Wymondham.
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