Debbie and Sam McCallum won beat off competition from more then 4,800 contenders. The competition was arranged by Punch to encourage licensees to plan for this summer’s never to be repeated season of events.
The licensees have a packed summer of events in place, having already celebrated the Jubilee with a Tiara Party, A Right Royal Karaoke, a Jubilee Big Lunch and a Bring Your Own Boat Regatta.
Next on the agenda is a coach trip to see Debbie taking her place as an Olympic torch bearer, after being nominated by the local community, followed by a bevy of events for the Olympics and Paralympics.
The judges praised the couple for their passion and enthusiasm and their comprehensive planning, with something planned for every event in the summer.
“They are positive people and recognise the need to put something on to encourage people to visit and stay at the Bell,” said David Hawbrook, of ABV Training, who visited all 13 finalists.
“The community involvement was also very apparent with links to a number of annual local events which they are active in helping organise. I did leave feeling wow!”
The Coach and Horses at Kibworth, which was turned into a boat for the Jubilee, and the Mains of Scotstown in Aberdeen, which was praised as the ultimate community based pub, were highly commended.
“This summer is a unique opportunity for pubs to cement their place at the heart of the community and to become the venue to celebrate national events like the Jubilee and sporting fixtures – whether the Euros or the Olympics,” added Punch Buying Club director Andy Slee.
“We’ve already seen amazing examples of pubs driving the Jubilee celebrations throughout the UK and even more events are planned in our pubs throughout the summer.
“We hope all our pubs will continue these efforts into the autumn and beyond.”