West Norfolk Mayor's Business Awards 2023: The Angel at Watlington crowned winner in Leisure and Tourism category
“It’s been a hell of a journey,” an emotional pub owner said after scooping a prized award on Friday.
The Angel at Watlington was crowned the winner in the Leisure and Tourism category at this year’s Mayor’s Business Awards, receiving praise for its use of local suppliers.
Emily Phipps and Richard Crouch first took over at the School Road premises four years ago, and have overseen a major change in fortunes since then.
The pub beat competition from runners-up True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum and the Tipsy Teapot.
Speaking after picking up her prize, an emotional Emily said: “It’s been a hell of a journey. The last four years have been everything from a horrible pub, to Covid, to cost of living, to everything.
“When we took over, the amount of refurb that we had to do, through to news that we had no staff when we took over - with a four-month-old and me being pregnant at the time - yeah, wow.
“It’s really put Watlington on the map recently, and that’s amazing because I think it really deserves to be.
“King’s Lynn deserves to be on the map. A lot of people think of Norfolk and they think of the coast - it isn’t, we have a great town.
“We have a great town with a lot of businesses that are really, really worth it.”
Emily and the Angel team are now looking at expanding, and could open up a second pub in the borough.
“We want more. We really want to bring tourism to the area. We’re working with loads of different suppliers,” she added. “This town deserves developing - it really deserves being put on the map, and we want to be part of it.”
The Leisure and Tourism category was sponsored by Complete Commercial Finance.
Michael Moore, a director at the company, said: “It has been a real pleasure to learn about our three finalists this year. What came across loud and clear from each of them was just how much their respective organisations mean to them.
“They are all fully deserving of this award. The winner, however, has had a huge success championing local suppliers, working closely with other businesses in the area and embracing the community they are based in.
“They are multiple award winners in their industry, and they attract visitors from all over the area.”