Charles celebrates community pubs
Prince Charles has highlighted the vital role of community pubs - and backed a campaign to save darts in pubs.
Speaking at a reception to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Pub is the Hub, he said that the impact pubs have on their communities was "totally invaluable".
But the prince also spoke of the problems that some village pubs faced. "Rural communities face unprecedented changes and challenges and the local pub is under particular threat," he said, during the reception at Clarence House.
"We can hopefully play an important role in providing essential services, which are absolutely crucial."
Prince Charles co-founded Pub is the Hub in 2001. The scheme, which has helped around 300 pubs, is designed to help pubs diversify and offer services, such as post offices and libraries, to communities.
During a speech to around 150 guests, including licensees, senior pub trade representatives and members of The Publican team, he also pledged his support for the Save our Darts Campaign.
The campaign revealed only 10 per cent of pub-goers had played darts last year. The game's demise is being blamed on the rise of the gastropub.
Brandishing a set of darts, Prince Charles added: "I'm doing my best to keep the darts tradition going. I was given these the other day. And, I have to say, I'm getting rather good at darts. Except my younger son is a great deal better. I'll leave you to guess why."
He said he understood the game was suffering because of the rise of gastropubs, but admitted he was unsure of what one was.
After the event John Longden, Pub is the Hub co-ordinator, said: "His Royal Highness commented to me about the amazing mixture of licensees whom he met.
"There were so many people there who were interested in the good side of pubs. The next challenge is to carry things forward."
- Read licensee Chris Maclean's blog on darts in pubs at www.thepublican.com/blogs
