JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin and Andy Bassadone of Strada, Côte and now Bill’s are the latest inductions to CGA Peach’s hall of fame after picking up Icon Awards at its annual ceremony, joining 14 other legends of the sector as winners of the prestigious Icon Awards.
Presenting the Icon Awards, CGA Peach vice president Peter Martin said: “The CGA Peach Icon trophy is presented to individuals who have made a lasting and positive contribution to this sector—people who inspire, innovate and set the standards. Again this year we have chosen two recipients who live up to that billing—two outstanding leaders and role models.”
Tim Martin
Tim Martin was presented with his Icon Award by Bob Ivell, chairman of Mitchells & Butlers. Making the citation, Peter Martin said: “To call Tim Martin an industry giant is no mere hyperbole. No-one arguably has had such an impact on the way this country goes out to drink—and, increasingly, to eat… He has redefined what the modern pub is, and although a passionate champion of the ‘local’, he and his growing team have set it on a new path.
“He has challenged restrictive licensing authorities… he’s championed real ale and now craft beer—not to mention the affordable pint… He is passionate, some would say outspoken, about this industry—but he has a voice and one that’s heard on TV, on radio, in the press. And his creation, JD Wetherspoon is now simply part of the fabric of British life.”
Andy Bassadone
Andy Bassadone was recognised for an outstanding track record in the sector that includes the stellar growth of Strada and Côte as well as his work at Bill’s, and received his Icon Award from casual dining pioneer and serial investor Ian Neill. Peter Martin said of him: “Andy has made his mark as one of the sector’s most successful serial entrepreneurs – a man with a knack of spotting market opportunities, the eye to launch or acquire fledgling brands, and the ability to hone and roll out businesses, build teams and then sell when the time is right.”
He also credited his work on brands including My Kinda Town, Planet Hollywood and Belgo before striking out with Strada, Côte and Bill’s: “Andy Bassadone may not be one to take the limelight but he knows the business levers to pull, making him one of the people we should all be watching and learning from—and giving him a deserved place among our Industry Icons.”
CGA Peach salutes industry Heroes
Top brands in the out-of-home eating and drinking space and one of its leading exponents were also honoured at the 2014 Hero & Icon Awards.
The list of winners includes pub giant JD Wetherspoon, which scooped the prestigious title of Power Brand; fast-growing all-day concept Bill’s, voted Most Admired Brand; and industry veteran and Ed’s Easy Diner chief executive Andrew Guy, named Industry Leader of the year. The full roll call of 12 winners is:
POWER BRAND Presented by RBS JD Wetherspoon
INDUSTRY LEADER Presented by Coffer Corporate LeisureAndrew Guy
MOST ADMIRED BRAND Presented by Fourth Bill’s
NEWCOMER Presented by Bookatable Red’s True Barbecue
BREAKTHROUGH BRAND Presented by Zonal Five Guys
EVOLUTIONARY BRAND Presented by InMoment Ed’s Easy Diner
BEST DESTINATION OPENING Presented by Reynolds London’s Pride from Fuller’s
CONSUMER CHOICE Presented by Coca-Cola Enterprises Wagamama
BEST VALUE BRAND Presented by CGA Peach Toby Carvery
BEST QUALITY BRAND Presented by Enotria Jamie’s Italian
YOUTH BRAND Presented by CGA Peach Nando’s
BEST DRINKS OFFER Presented by Diageo Loungers
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