Petals have been perused, leaves looked at and stalks scrutinised.  Entries for this year’s Pubs in Bloom competition have now been judged and the keenly-awaited results announcing which local pub boasts the best blooms in Brentwood will be revealed next week here at the brewery. 

Pubs in and around the borough taking part in the competition have been invited to an awards presentation ceremony at Brentwood Brewery on Thursday 20th July.   Winners in the Religious Grounds category for Brentwood in Bloom 2015 will also be announced.  

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the annual Brentwood in Bloom Pubs competition again and pleased to see so many landlords and landladies taking part this year.  It really is a community-spirited competition. 

“Plants and flowers make a positive impact on the environment and whether they’re in a window box or pub garden, everyone can enjoy and appreciate them,” said MD Roland Kannor. 

The judging of all 21 pub entries took place earlier this month by two independent judges – gardening expert Keith Petty who is Chairman of Brentwood Guild of Gardeners and a member of Brentwood Horticultural Society and business guru Robert Gunn of Burnt Oak Consulting based in Pilgrims Hatch.

Scoring each pub on nine key gardening points, judges looked at factors like quality of plants and sustainability, cultivation and maintenance as well as staff involvement.  Design, colour and tidiness were also assessed.  The winners will receive Brentwood in Bloom 2015 certificates.

“Hot weather has made things tricky for gardeners this summer and we realise that’s made maintenance more of a challenge,” said judge Robert Gunn. 

Roland added:  “We’re looking forward to awards night.  It’s going to be loads of fun.”  

Pubs taking part in Brentwood in Bloom Pubs 2015 are: 

The White Horse, Coxtie Green

The Eagle, Kelvedon Hatch

The Alma Arms

The Willow

The Cock Tavern, Ongar

The Forresters Arms, Ongar

The Leather Bottle, Blackmore

The Cricketers, Mill Green

The Viper, Mill Green

The White Hart Inn, Margaretting Tye

The Star Inn, Ingatestone

The Eagle and Child

The Hutton Junction

The Chequers, Hutton

Olde Dog Inn

The Halfway House

The Brave Nelson

The Brewery Tap, Kings Road

The Swan, High Street

The Dairyman, High Street

The Victoria Arms, Ongar Road

The Rising Sun, Ongar Road