William Bray wins “Pub of the Year” award

February 26, 2014

Brakspear pub the William Bray in the Surrey village of Shere has been voted ‘Pub of the Year 2013’ by readers of the Surrey Advertiser newspaper, beating 74 other pubs in the county to take the top title.

The pub, in the beautiful Surrey Hills region, has built an outstanding reputation for its quality food, while still offering the warm welcome of a traditional inn.

Licensee Julian Bailey took on the William Bray in 2009 and it was bought by Brakspear in 2012. He said, “It is so exciting to win this award and very satisfying that it is based on customers voting for us. I look forward to celebrating this triumph with them in the pub.”

Julian, an ex-Formula One driver and World Sportscar Champion, is used to the spoils of success but he is the first to admit that running a successful bar and restaurant can sometimes be an uphill struggle and this award is hugely appreciated.

He said, “When I took on the pub – then called the Prince of Wales – I knew it had the potential to be a really special place.  It needed a makeover and a new identity and we were very proud when the William Bray was born in April 2009.

“Running a pub is hard work, but when your customers show faith in you by voting your pub as the best in Surrey, it makes it all worthwhile. On behalf of my two fabulous chefs – Brett and Craig Gandy and all the kitchen and front of house staff I want to sincerely thank everyone who voted for us.”

Photograph shows licensee Julian Bailey (far right) with head chef Craig Gandy (third from left) and other team members at the William Bray