Celebrating Becky Sumner, BII Licensee of the Year Semi-Finalist

“Pubs are the backbone of our country.”

It’s a simple statement, but one that perfectly captures why pubs matter, and why the people behind them deserve to be recognised.

At Admiral Taverns, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate Becky Sumner of The Red Lion, who has been named a semi-finalist in the BII Licensee of the Year Awards 2026.

What makes the BII Licensee of the Year Awards so special?

Run by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Licensee of the Year Awards (LOYA) are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the UK pub industry.

These awards don’t just recognise financial success or busy venues, they celebrate exceptional all-round licensees. That means:

  • Delivering outstanding customer experiences
  • Creating strong, community-led pubs
  • Running sustainable and successful businesses
  • Demonstrating leadership, resilience and innovation

Each year, hundreds of licensees from across the UK enter the competition. Through a rigorous judging process, including written applications, interviews, mystery visits and operational assessments, that number is narrowed down step by step.

To reach the semi-final stage, where just a small group of operators remain, is a huge achievement in itself, and a true mark of excellence in the industry.

From Quarter Finalist to Semi-Finalist, A Journey Worth Celebrating

Earlier this year, we were proud to see a number of our incredible licensees named Quarter Finalists, including:

  • Angi McKean – The Chrystal Bell
  • Janice Blacklock – The Border Terrier
  • Carole Davis – The Clifton Arms
  • Becky Sumner – The Red Lion, Eynsham
  • Deborah Collinge – The Famous Albert
  • Louise McPhee – Royal Oak
  • Kelly Woodward – Horse & Jockey
  • Susan Busby – Three Churches Inn

Each of these licensees represents the very best of what pubs bring to their communities, creating welcoming spaces, driving memorable experiences, and going above and beyond for their customers every single day. Progressing from this stage to the semi-finals is no small feat, making Becky’s achievement even more special.

The Red Lion, Eynsham — A True Community Pub

At the heart of Becky’s success is The Red Lion, a pub that has become a cornerstone of its local community. This isn’t just a place to grab a drink. It’s where:

  • Friends meet after a long day
  • Local events bring people together
  • Regulars are known by name
  • New faces are always welcomed

It’s that balance of atmosphere, authenticity and community spirit that defines a great pub, and it’s something Becky and her team deliver day in, day out.

As Becky shared:

“I am so so proud and thankful for my team and everything we do here. You all know how passionate I feel about our fabulous little village pubs and generally how important pubs are to community and society.”

More Than an Award — A Reflection of Passion and Purpose

What stands out most about Becky’s journey isn’t just the recognition, it’s the mindset behind it. While the competition becomes more intense at each stage, Becky sees it as an opportunity:

“I aim to use the process to become even better at what we do every day.”

That commitment to continuous improvement, alongside a deep-rooted belief in the role pubs play in society, is exactly what the LOYA judges are looking for, and what sets standout licensees apart. It’s also a reminder that behind every successful pub is a team working tirelessly to create something meaningful for their community.

Supporting the Next Stage

With the semi-finals now underway, Becky will be competing alongside some of the most dedicated and talented licensees in the country for a place in the final this June. Whatever the outcome, reaching this stage is already an incredible achievement, and one that reflects not only Becky’s leadership, but the strength of the team and community around her. As Becky put it:

“Whatever happens, it’s been lovely to be recognised for what I believe in and live and breathe each day.”

Stories like Becky’s are a powerful reminder of the impact pubs have across the UK. They are more than businesses, they are:

  • Social hubs
  • Community anchors
  • Places where moments happen and memories are made

And at the heart of them all are passionate publicans who care deeply about what they do. We’re incredibly proud to have Becky and The Red Lion as part of Admiral Taverns, and we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way. If you’re ever in Eynsham, make sure to pay a visit, you’ll see exactly what makes this pub, and its people, so special 🍻

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