London's 'best pub' dating back 500 years where they go extra mile to keep 'excellent' team

A 'much loved' North West London Pub dating back to 1540 that gives its staff the opportunity to study for a degree while working behind the bar has just won the pub team of the year title at a national awards ceremony.

The Queen’s Head in Pinner, known for its annual Ye Old Wheelbarrow Race around St George's Day, won not one but two prizes at the Night of Excellence awards. It also took home the award for the Sustainable Pub of the Year award, thanks in part to its scheme encouraging punters to cycle there and back.

The High Street pub has 17 lagers, cider and ales on tap plus it serves fresh premium Barrel & Stone Pizzas and Piadina's throughout the day. There is also a wide selection of white, Rosé and red wines, as well as a range of cocktails.

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It secured the team award for its commitment to staff training and investment in its employees. Offering apprenticeship schemes to its staff, the oldest inn in the area of Harrow has had two members of the pub management team study for degree apprenticeships where they will receive a degree qualification once completed.

Sean White, Licensee of The Queens Head, said: “The Pub Team of the Year award is well-deserved praise for my excellent team, whom without The Queen’s Head just wouldn’t be the brilliant pub that it is.”

The dog friendly pub also became the first licensee to win the Sustainable Pub of the Year award, recognising its role in supporting the community by running initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint.

Installing electric car charging points, the pub also also saved space for a dedicated cycle park to encourage greener transport. The pub was acknowledged for its efforts in reducing energy waste by investing in LED light bulbs with timers and sensors.

Phil Arnold, Operations Director for Greene King Pub Partners, said: “I would like to extend a big congratulations to Sean and the team at The Queen’s Head for winning not one, but two, awards at the Night of Excellence Awards! The competition for these awards is fierce – there were over 250 entries – so winning is no mean feat. Alongside being an excellent pub operation, winning Pub Team of the Year and Sustainability Pub of the Year shows the Queen’s Head is run the right way with the right values. As such, it’s no surprise it’s such a much-loved local.”

Records show that the Grade II listed timber frame building on the High Street has housed a pub since 1540. Although a survey dates the cellar as far back as the 12th Century. The awards event was attended by over 140 licensees from across the country who work with Greene King Pub Partners as well as representatives from the hospitality and pub sector including trade bodies, business leaders and more.

Opening times

Monday Midday - 11.00pm

Tuesday Midday - 11.00pm

Wednesday Midday - 11.00pm

Thursday Midday - 11.00pm

Friday Midday - Midnight

Saturday Midday - Midnight

Sunday Midday - 11.00pm

The lunch menu runs from midday to 4pm and the dinner menu from 6pm to 10pm, but 9pm on sundays.

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