THE Harris Arms at Portgate near Lewdown has been awarded Newcomer of the Year at The Publican Awards 2005 in a ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel, London. Owners Andy and Rowena Whiteman were delighted to have won this national award, which they say is an excellent validation on the work they and their team have put into the business in the last year. ?We are over the moon ? it?s really fantastic,? said Andy. ?I think we have got the balance right between a pub and a restaurant. We are a pub that does really good food. We have a nice bar to eat and drink in and a smaller dining room with great views. ?We rely very much on local support out of season and have people coming from a 40 to 50 mile radius. I really want to thank everyone for all their support. When we get customer feedback we act on it.? Having bought The Harris Arms in 2003, this is the third award that Andy, Rowena and the team have won in their first 15 months. Last May they won the Devon Life Country Pub of the Year and in November they were awarded the accolade of Wine Offering of the Year by Publican Magazine. The Newcomer Award recognises how new owners have developed and changed the business, the quality of food, wines and beers on offer, as well as the decor and ambience. Andy and Rowena have lots of exciting plans for the future, building on the new focus of The Harris Arms, using fresh local produce to create what they call ?Real Food?. By the summer customers will be able to enjoy fantastic views of Brentor from tables on newly installed decking and the small dining room is to undergo a mini-refurbishment to create a more intimate atmosphere.
