Offering a warm welcome to all

Cross Keys, Erdington, West Midlands

There aren't many places where you can find a secretary, a mechanic, a teacher, a darts player and an OAP together, but the Cross Keys in Erdington is one of them. After being awarded the Morning Advertiser's Community Pub of the Year award for the central region in 2004, the Cross Keys has remained at the heart of the Erdington community.

The Mitchells & Butlers outlet has spent the last three years raising money for Birmingham's children's hospital and the Danny Ryan appeal. August bank holiday events included fancy dress, during which assistant manager Mark Dixon spent his shift dressed as a woman. 'It was a bit embarrassing but made the customers laugh and it's all for a good cause, says Dixon.

Over the next couple of weeks, the Cross Keys will host a Stars in their Eyes-style karaoke with raffles to help raise more money.

Last year the pub sponsored a football team that is now well established in the Birmingham league. Their newly-formed darts team is set to be equally popular. 'The darts team has attracted quite a few more people, not just players but people who like to watch too, says Dixon.

And the 90-year-old establishment has its own traditions many customers will only drink in the lounge bar or the public bar and where other Erdington pubs rely mostly on shoppers for trade, the Cross Keys regulars have been drinking there for generations. Manager Tony O'kereke, pictured right, said: 'The reason people come here is because it is a good pub and we provide a safe, trouble-free environment. Another reason why many people drink here, and always will, is because everyone is welcome.