Old Cross Tavern is Hertfordshire Tourism Pub of the Year 2019

Mary Ganioli, owner of the Old Cross Tavern said: 'To tell you a bit about the Hertfordshire Tourism Awards, in their words, “they were devised and launched in 2017 by the destination specialists Go To Places - who deliver Visit Herts- (www.visitherts.co.uk) to reward exceptional standards of customer service and outstanding visitor experiences within the local tourism industry.” You can read more on the Visit Herts online site: https://www.visitherts.co.uk/visit-herts-blog/herts-tourism-awards-2019/

As many of you already know, the Tavern opened its front doors on the 19^th May 1999 (following a conversion from an antique shop front to a Real Ale Freehouse Town Centre pub on St. Andrew Street in Hertford).  And, because this Award was received for our 20^th Anniversary Year - 2019, it has very special meaning to us.

A very special “Thank You” to Visit Herts! 

It is a lovely birthday present to us, and perhaps more importantly, to all the persons who have come through our front doors over the years.  Our experience is that:  “People maketh the Pub”.  You all deserve distinctive recognition for your exceptional contribution to the “Spirit of a Community Pub” in the Tavern.  

How was the award decided?  Visit Herts describes the process as: “Following an initial round of judging by an expert panel of independent tourism judges, the shortlisted finalists were decided by mystery shopping visits.”

Yes, we had mystery shoppers come to the pub.  And, we didn’t know when they were coming or who they would be.  In the feedback from the Award process, we were told a bit about what the mystery shoppers said.  Both the Old Cross Tavern Team and the pub patrons got “TOP MARKS”!  We think they liked the beer too.

In the words of the mystery shoppers: 

- “The drink selection was fantastic; good range of spirits and wines, but the real focal point was the huge amount of beers on offer.”

- “There were items on the wall which were interesting such as a signed picture of a famous cricketer who was there when the pub opened, a picture of the pub painted by a customer.  The pub had displayed its many awards which showed that they took pride in their establishment.”

- “The overall ambience of this pub was warm and friendly, I could imagine myself returning regularly as it had a relaxed and homely feel to it.”

- “The most memorable thing about this visit was the warmth of the staff and the patrons of the pub, we felt welcome and comfortable.” 

- “The staff members really went that extra mile to make conversation and build a rapport with us.”

- “The service makes this business exceptional, as well as the range of beers in the pub.  If this pub was to win then it would be due to this wonderful service and the resulting warm and happy ambience in the pub.”

 We’re honoured to have received the Tourism Award.  It is a very motivating accolade for all on the Tavern Team.  Our plans are to continue to strive for conviviality and choice with a community focus.  We’ll be working diligently at keeping Hertford’s St. Andrew Street on the Tourism map.'

Congratulations to the Old Cros Tavern!