The owners of a pub near Trowbridge are celebrating a landmark year as they score a number of awards and nominations.
Alin Onofrei, the owner of The Poplars, Wingfield, has told this paper he and the team behind the hostelry are celebrating a number of awards and nominations over the past year.
Within the last 12 months, The Poplars was recognised as Restaurant of the Year (South & East) at the 2025 Food Award; Blue Ribbon & Good Food Award 2025/26; Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 (following wins in 2023 and 2024); quarter-finalist at the BII Licence of the Year 2025, competing against over 600 venues.
He described having been nominated and the multiple awards “feels incredibly rewarding and humbling”.
Mr Onofrei continued: “2025 was a year of hard work, creativity, and real teamwork, so seeing that effort recognised made it even more meaningful. Winning three food awards was a huge highlight—not just as a milestone, but as confirmation that we’re connecting with people through what we do. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, grateful for the support around us, and genuinely excited to build on that momentum moving forward.
“I have spent nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry, with the majority of my career dedicated to working in professional kitchens.
"During this time, I have had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding chefs and managers across a wide range of environments, from traditional country pubs to fine-dining restaurants.
"Each of these experiences has played an important role in shaping my professional journey and approach to hospitality.
“Before taking over The Poplars, I held the position of Head Chef at The Three Horseshoes, Chapmanslade, owned by Toby Brett—an exceptional individual whose strong character and leadership.
“Three years ago, in October 2022, we took over The Poplars. After long consideration, we decided it was time to start a new chapter in our lives and follow our dream of owning our own restaurant.
“The journey wasn’t easy, but with faith, dedication, and hard work, we turned The Poplars into a place we are proud to call home.
“What makes it a special place is the people behind it. The Poplars isn’t just a pub. It’s a family-run place where you can feel the care and pride in everything they do.
“There’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere, a real sense of community, and the kind of personal touch you only get when a family is truly invested in their pub.
“It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can relax, feel at home, and know they’re always welcome.
“Over the next year and beyond, our focus is on strengthening the pub’s role as a welcoming hub for the local community. We plan to continue refining our food and drink offering, with an emphasis on quality, seasonality, and locally sourced produce.
“Alongside this, we aim to develop more regular events such as themed food nights, live music, and community gatherings to encourage repeat visits and broaden our appeal.
“In the longer term, we’re looking to invest in the pub’s facilities and outdoor spaces, enhance our sustainability practices, and build a strong, loyal customer base by consistently delivering friendly service and a relaxed country-pub atmosphere.”
In addition to the spoils of last year’s awards, the team is now celebrating being included on the list of the top 100 Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), by EliteBusiness100, and attended an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday, March 11.
Mr Onofrei added: “As a quick update, we’ve started 2026 on a fantastic note. We’re proud to share that we’ve been recognised as a Top 100 SME Award Winner 2026, an achievement that has been a great boost for the entire team and a testament to the hard work and dedication everyone has put in over the past year.”
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