Finals place for Moseley hostelry.

The couple behind the transformation of one of Birmingham’s best known pubs, the Prince of Wales in Moseley, have seen their hard work and dedication recognised on a national level by being shortlisted for prestigious Licensee of the Year Award by the British Institute of Innkeeping.

Keith and Diane Marsden have been whittled down to the final 6 of the annual award, known as the “Oscars” of the licensing trade, which recognises quality, dedication and innovation in the pub and licensed trade industry and is given to the most committed and business savvy licensee in the country. All 50,000 licensees across the UK are able to enter the prestigious award and are judged vigorously on criteria such as Staff Development, Marketing and Industry Representation.

After a grueling final day of judging, in front of nine industry experts, who covered Recruitment, Reward and Retention of Staff, Business Development and Product Innovation alongside suitability of the licensee to be ambassadors of the licensed trade industry, the Marsdens are now awaiting the outcome of the judging panel which they will find out at a special event on London’s Park Lane on the 13^th May.

Based in leafy Moseley, the Prince has undergone a loving refurbishment under the stewardship of the Marsden family, including an overhaul of their once dingy beer garden to what is now an attraction for beer lovers across the region, thanks to its range of real ales, 150 seater covered marquee area, Mo-Tiki cocktail bar and La Choza, its own cigar shed amongst many other improvements.

Recent work has seen a former 1970’s garage converted into a heated Bothy Bar, and it has also seen the interior of the pub restored to its former glory, including a recent refurbishment of its snug using local craft and tradesmen. As well as the transformation of the pub itself, Keith and Diane have also worked hard on their staff development, with ongoing training and performance reviews for all of their employees, including mentoring many of their staff to fill managerial positions from within, encouraging young people to make a career out of what many people deem to be a “non professional” industry.

Keith Marsden, who with his wife Diane, took control of the Prince seven years ago, said of the shortlisting, “We are very proud to be shortlisted for this award. It is a testament to the skills of our staff and the love of our guests. That’s the thing about the Prince, our guests love it. It’s thanks to them that we are here. “

Diane Marsden, who oversees the day to day running of the pub says: “Anyone who visits the Prince will discover there’s a lot to love – 100 different rums, eight cask beers, 50 single malts, a great pub wine list of over 30 great wines.  Guests can try a cigar, New World or Cuban, we have the best of the best. We have a passion for a good night out and we want to share this with the world.”

The awards are to be presented at the Annual Lunch & AGM of the BII at the Dorchester on May 13^th.