Last night at the prestigious Publican Awards, Bar Sport which began in Cannock ten years ago won the Entrepreneurial Business of the Year - one of the most sort after honours.

19 Licensees and pub companies from across the UK were recognised for excellence in the 17th Publican Awards which was hosted by Dame Edna Everage in front of nearly 2000 guests at a dazzling ceremony at London's Grosvenor House.

Scott Murray, Bar Sport Entrepreneur commented, 'This is such an amazing award for us, the competition was so strong we didn't think we stood a chance.' He continued 'this is an award for the group and for everyone's hard work, it's also a fabulous pin pointer to the Midlands and proof of everything that the area has to offer.'

The Cannock bar was followed by the opening of Walsall in 2001 and last year Rugby opened its doors. What makes the concept so unique is the combination of a highly successful bar dedicated to all forms of sport yet with extremely stylish and female friendly surroundings. Scott has also employed a team of talented chefs who are committed to delivering quality and delicious food.

Bar Sport is not just popular with sports fans but with the sportspeople themselves, attracting personal appearances of world class sporting heroes from members of the 1966 squad to world champion boxer, Henry Cooper.

Not stopping at three venues, the company has a three year, 10 venue expansion plan with, Loughborough being the next Bar Sport to open in summer this year. Other venues cannot yet be announced but the company is concentrating on towns with a strong sporting link.