East Anglia's ACI Crowned One of the Happiest Places to Work in the UK

In a remarkable achievement, Anglian Country Inns (ACI), a hospitality group based in East Anglia, has been recognized as one of the happiest places to work in the UK. The establishment was listed among the top 25 businesses in CODE Hospitality’s Happiest Place to Work 2026 awards, a testament to its commitment to employee satisfaction.

Cultivating a Joyful Workplace

The annual awards, managed by the esteemed owners of The Good Food Guide, aim to highlight employers in the hospitality sector that prioritize their people and foster a positive work environment. ACI's head of people and culture, Will Chew, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, "Our company goal is literally to ‘make people happy,’ so it’s great to have the internal focus of that goal recognized and our culture endorsed by a third party in this way."

The Link Between Happiness and Success

James Nye, the managing director of ACI, emphasized the significance of happiness within the workplace, remarking, "Happiness is so integral to running a successful business; if your team are happy, then it’s much more likely your customers will be happy too." This philosophy evidently resonates through ACI’s operations, which include ten establishments and a microbrewery throughout East Anglia. The organization has also previously earned the title of Best Employer at the 2025 Publican Awards.

A Commitment to Excellence

ACI operates a variety of award-winning pubs in the region, such as The Kings Head in Letheringsett and The White Horse Pub and Bakery in Holme-next-the-Sea. With such accolades, it is clear that their dedication to creating a supportive and joyous environment contributes not only to employee morale but also to an exceptional customer experience.

This recognition by CODE Hospitality serves as a beacon for other businesses in the hospitality sector, demonstrating that prioritizing employee happiness is not merely a goodwill endeavor but a strategic advantage that can lead to broader success and satisfaction for customers as well.