Farewell to Johnny Roberts, and a round-up of recent presentations to our pubs
Morgan’s GM departs for Spain
Johnny Roberts, general manager of Morgan Pub Collective’s Oxford operations, has left for a job as a general manager at the Puerto Marina in Benalmadena, near Malaga, in southern Spain.
He looked after the Grapes and Oranges and Lemons (previously the Angel and Greyhound), following Morgan’s focus on traditional pubs with a strong real ale offer. He first worked with Oxford CAMRA while an assistant manager at Wetherspoon’s Four Candles, and following his return to Oxford in 2023 he was instrumental in getting both pubs in the Good Beer Guide.
Talking of the move, Johnny said: “It was a big rush and happened out of nowhere due to an opportunity I had in Malaga, where my family are from.
“I would like to say that I’m honoured to be appreciated amongst CAMRA members and over the years they became not only customers but friends I value dearly, which is what makes running pubs all worth it.
“Real ale is the real winner here…. making my job so much easier with the number of fantastic breweries and fantastic ales.
“Opportunities like what I have in Malaga don’t come across too often and I needed to take the leap when I did. I will return for a reunion with CAMRA and friends soon!”
Hooky Awards 2026
Hook Norton Brewery celebrated the passion, hard work and hospitality of pub teams across its family of nearly 30 pubs:
Pub of the Year Award –
The Eagle Tavern, Witney.
Phoenix Award –
The Castle Inn, Oxford.
Best Newcomer Award –
The Falcon, Thame.
Best Pub in Bloom Award –
The Castle, Edgehill.
Best Pint Award –
The Angel, Burford.
- Customers’ Choice Award –
The Bell Inn, Adderbury.
Oxford CAMRA awards presented
Oxford CAMRA’s City Pub of the Year award 2026 was presented to Royal Blenheim manager Steven Lyne, pictured (left) with CAMRA’s Steve Thompson and an impressive array of previous awards.
Second place award went to Grapes manager Phoenix Heald (below, right), seen with Oxford CAMRA chair John Winney.
