Pub owners are clearly doing something right behind the bar, having been named one of the best employers in the country.

Sarah and Simon Bailey run Absolute Pubs, Hampton, which was shortlisted for the best employer title in the Publican Awards 2014.

Absolute, which has pubs in Hampton, Hampton Court, Surbiton and Sunbury, is one of four companies that made the shortlist.

Mr Bailey said: “We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious national award.

“We have very high standards of customer service, which can only be maintained by ensuring that everyone in the business knows they are valued and understands just how important their contribution is.

“There’s a great team spirit throughout the business, which makes our pubs great fun to work at, and gives staff a sense of pride in being part of Absolute Pubs.”

Absolute Pubs was founded in 2008 and has 55 employees, who each have an individual training programme, which was praised by judges.

Absolute will go through a rigorous judging process including panel interviews with industry experts and mystery visits, before the winner is announced in March.