A North East pub manager is on cloud nine after he was nominated for the annual Publican of the Year awards for Best Newcomer.

Mark Wilkinson, 52, from Durham, has been nominated for the award of Best Newcomer for his work as manager at the Three Horseshoes pub in Cowpen Bewley, Billingham.

After working for years in hospitality, Mark joined the Three Horseshoes in 2021 and now holds a stake in the business.

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The Northern Echo: Inside the Three Horseshoes pub in Billingham.

Following a £75,000 investment in the bar to rejuvenate the whole venue, Mark could now win an award for his work at his “little country pub”.

He said: “I think being nominated is absolutely brilliant, but what I always remember is that there is no ‘I’ in team.

“We have an entire team that has really been nominated, it’s not just me. We are very fortunate that we have a good team of staff here who really care about the business.”

The pub is now well known in the area for its food that is made to order, with its extensive menu including burgers, pasta, and pies.

After a complete overhaul, the pub has been reinvented and has a kids play area as well as a lavish pub garden that is perfect for summer afternoons.

The Northern Echo: Outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Billingham.

Now, success at the Three Horseshoes has meant Mark has been able to expand, as more pubs are now expected to be renovated and given a new lease of life.

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The Northern Echo: Outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Billingham.

Mark added: “We are now looking to expand and take over another pub called the Castle Eden Inn. It’s going to close so that we can spend about £500,000 on it and give the pub a full refit.

“The third pub will then be the White Hart in Hart Village, so we have some great things coming up.”

The judges are now expected to visit the Three Horseshoes this Friday (July 21) to help make their decision, with the Three Horseshoes fighting against one pub for the number one spot.