Pubs compete for Michelin chef makeover

Michelin-starred pub chef Tom Kerridge is supporting Calor Rural Pub in the Community Awards by sharing the secrets of his success with the winning pub.

Following the launch of the competition in 2006, Calor is calling for entries for 2007 to recognise the outstanding work carried out by local pubs up and down the country.

Tom, chef patron at the Hand & Flowers in Marlow, will be judging this year's entrants. He will visit the winning pub and work alongside staff to deliver a charity event for the benefit of the local community. He will also host a return visit to his own pub.

Tom says: "The important role pubs play in their communities should not be underestimated. The pub is often the central point of the community, a place where everyone can meet and it can even be a lifeline for some residents. I'm looking forward to reading about some of the ways pubs have integrated themselves into their local community when I judge the entries."

The Calor Rural Pub in the Community Award, part of the established Calor Village of the Year competition, aims to celebrate pubs that have diversified their businesses to offer their local community a wider range of services.

Sabrina Jackson, Calor's commercial market development manager said: "Our aim is to use the award to showcase best practice and ideas that other rural pubs and licensees can adopt and give pubs the recognition they deserve."

Pubs which enter must be situated in a village with a population of 5,000 residents or less. Judges are looking for pubs that are the heart of their community, which can include anything from providing Internet access for locals or hosting community meetings to offering retail services or services for elderly residents.

Last year, The Master Robert Inn in Buriton, Hampshire won by demonstrating the ways in which licensees Pauline Davey and Tim Smith go the extra mile for their local community. The function room at the back of the pub hosts a post office and shop where the elderly or house-bound can phone in their order and request their goods be delivered personally.

Pubs have until April 30 to enter. Information about the award as well as an online entry form can be found by clicking on the link on the right.