Stoke-on-Trent based Titanic Brewery has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award in recognition of its growing fleet of community pubs.

The brewery has invested heavily in reviving “the local” by buying and refurbishing dilapidated pubs across North Staffordshire.

Now its determination to buck the trend of pub closures has led to a position on the four-strong shortlist for the Publican newspaper’s Multiple Operator of the Year award.

The winner will be announced at a gala evening at London’s famous Grosvenor Hotel on April 21.

The prestigious nomination comes as the brewery, based at Lingard Street, Burslem, celebrates its 25th anniversary.

During that time Titanic has grown from small beginnings to produce around two million pints of fine ale a year with the brewery’s beer sold in pubs and supermarkets across the UK.

However, the award nomination is for its work in its home area of North Staffordshire where Titanic has established a popular chain of four pubs.

“In the early years we probably sold more beer in Newcastle-on-Tyne than Stoke-on-Trent, but we recognised that there would be benefits in selling our product ourselves through local outlets,” explained Managing Director Keith Bott.

“The pub estate provides our shop ‘port-hole’ in the local area and allows beer drinkers to connect directly with the brewery and to feel part of a growing local company. The involvement of customers and the ability to interact and feel part of the Titanic family is exceptionally important to us.”

Titanic bought its first pub, the Bulls Head, Burslem, in 1992, but only began to expand its fleet in 2007 when the brewery forged an innovative partnership with a larger company Everard’s.

The joint venture, combining Titanic’s local knowledge and consumer loyalty with Everards pub purchasing and operating skills has resulted in three new pubs – the Greyhound, Newcastle-under-Lyme,the White Star, Stoke, and the Royal Exchange, Stone.

Titanic Brewery now employs more than 100 people in North Staffordshire and has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in its four pubs.

Keith added: “Despite the current trend of closures and the global recession we believe there is still a place for traditional style community pubs.

“Titanic’s success comes through giving people what they want – a traditional local pub where people can enjoy good quality products in comfortable surroundings.

“Our pubs are firmly part of the communities they serve. There are no flashy gimmicks or large screen televisions.”

Titanic Pubs are renowned for their community work, each pub raises funds for local and national charities, the Greyhound hosts a popular carol service complete with brass band and the White Star provides a much needed venue for local musicians and poets.