Twisted Oak in Exeter is Family-Friendly Finalist at this year’s Great British Pub Awards

Following two rounds of rigorous judging, the Twisted Oak, on Little John’s Cross Hill in Exeter, has reached the final six in the Best Pub for Families category of the Great British Pub Awards (GBPAs). Seeing off hundreds of other entries, the pub’s family-centric vibe, catering to anyone who wants to escape the city centre for an afternoon, formed a large part of its success.

The Great British Pub Awards recognise, reward and celebrate the fantastic work pubs do for our country and their communities, the established industry awards is widely considered to be the Oscars of the British Pub Industry.

The Twisted Oak is nestled in extensive grounds and is situated next to the tranquil Alphin Brook. It has a dedicated children’s play area with a slide, climbing frame, tunnels, and games, and is in the process of building another smaller play area, designed especially for younger children. The play areas are surrounded by tall trees ensuring shade on sunny days and are situated so that parents can keep an eye on their children but can still have a break to enjoy the pub. 

The pub is also about taking care of the little things. It always has sweets on hand for children, as well as some toy machines, and always keeps sun cream and hand sanitiser in cartoon character bottles at the ready behind the bar.

Maz Charles, Manager of the Twisted Oak, said “We are absolutely delighted to be in the finals of the Great British Pub Awards! We are first and foremost a community pub, and I’m so pleased that our community has enjoyed what we have to offer them. We’ve worked hard to ensure our family offer is second to none so, after a challenging time, it is amazing to be recognised in such a way. I’m so proud of my team and everything we’ve achieved over the last 18-months.”

Simon Longbottom, CEO of Stonegate Group, said: “The entirety of the Stonegate Group is behind Maz and her team. We are incredibly proud of the ingenuity they have shown in the face of adversity and their contribution to the success of the Twisted Oak, as both a pub and as a hotspot for families. On behalf of myself and the entire business, we wish them every success in the finals.”