Wellingborough pub manager crowned general manager of the year
A Wellingborough pub manager has been crowned general manager of the year, recognising his outstanding contribution to the pub, team and customers.
Matt Gist, general manager at Wellingborough’s Ock n Dough, was one of just nine pub leaders from across the country to receive the accolade at Greene King’s annual Managed Pub Conference held in Manchester earlier this month.
Matt stood out for his high standard of work and knowledge over several years, delivering quality food and drink, a friendly team and a place where guests in the community feel welcome.
The annual awards celebrate general managers who have excelled across all areas of running a successful pub, from delivering strong commercial performance and operational excellence to bringing teams together, creating memorable experiences for customers and ensuring pubs remain welcoming hubs at the heart of communities.
Winners were judged on how they perform across all areas of the role, alongside their leadership, team engagement and the respect they have earned from colleagues and peers, before the final nine were selected by Greene King’s brand operations directors.
Matt Gist from the Ock n Dough said: “The best part of running a pub in Wellingborough is the people you get to know along the way.
"Our regulars and the wider community bring so much personality to the pub, and it’s incredibly rewarding to create a place where people genuinely enjoy spending time.
"Being recognised with this award means a great deal to me, but it also reflects the energy and commitment my team brings every day.
"I’m thrilled to share this achievement with them and to keep giving our guests plenty of reasons to come back.”
Helen Nelson, brand operations director – Hungry Horse & Flaming Grill at Greene King, said: “Being named Hungry Horse general manager of the Year is a brilliant achievement for Matt and it’s thoroughly deserved.
"It reflects not only another fantastic year, but the consistency, hard work and care that has gone into running the pub over a number of years.
"Matt knows his business inside and out, makes the most of every opportunity and, most importantly, creates a place where guests feel genuinely welcome.
"That’s exactly what we see here, from the quality of the food and drink to the friendly team and consistently high standards.
"We’re delighted to see that hard work recognised with this award and look forward to seeing what comes next.”
The General Manager of the Year awards form part of Greene King’s annual Managed Pub Conference and recognises outstanding leaders from across its managed pub estate.