Mahdis Neghabian of the Camden Eye in London's Camden Town has been crowned BII Licensee of the Year.

She picked up the prize at the trade group’s annual lunch at Grosvenor House in London yesterday.

She was praised for turning around the fortunes of a small pub and her in-depth understanding of her market.

BII chief Peter Thomas said: “Mahdis has shown us how she revived the fortunes of her business by combining innovation, strategic thinking, excellent customer care and a great deal of charm. She has inspired us with her ability to adapt to change, through her determination to always deliver what her customers want.”