For many, the lockdown meant some members of the community were struggling to know where their next meal was coming from, thankfully pubs were able to step up.
As part of the Great British Pub Awards Pub Heroes 2020, The Morning Advertiser (MA) is looking to celebrate those pubs and there’s still time to enter your operation into the competition.
Ed Bedington, editor of The MA, said: “With pubs forced to close and supermarkets running low on products, many people were left without options when it came to food.
“It was hugely impressive to see how many operators stepped forward to ensure the elderly and vulnerable who couldn’t get out to the shops were fed and watered.
“For many of those people, pubs were a lifeline before the lockdown, and it was great to see that continue, despite the challenges operators faced.
“We want to celebrate that by hearing your inspirational stories and sharing it as widely as we can, to remind people of the important role that pubs play in society.”
Supporting communities
The Great British Pub Awards Pub Heroes is an evolution of the traditional Great British Pub Awards, and aims to shine a real spotlight on some of the fantastic achievements of pubs during the corona crisis.
Bedington added: “Pubs have really been hit hard by the crisis, but rather than shut up shop and walk away, we’ve seen operators not only rise to the challenge, but go way beyond that, doing amazing things to support the communities they serve.
“We want to use these awards to help shout from the rooftops about how great pubs are.”
You can enter the Feeding the Community category, sponsored by Ei Publican Partnerships, now at www.greatbritishpubawards.co.ukand the winner will not only receive £1,000 from Coca Cola to put towards a charity of their choice, but also the opportunity to bid for a £10,000 grant towards a business improvement upgrade or community project of your choice.
The full list of categories in the competition are:
- Feeding the Community – A pub that has kept their community fed
- Front-Line Support – A pub that has supported the NHS and other front-line workers in a variety of ways
- Staff Welfare – A pub that has gone above and beyond to look after their teams
- Community Mindfulness – A pub that has supported the community’s mental health
- Community Services – A pub that has looked after vulnerable customers
- Business Continuity – A pub that has found innovative ways to continue to deliver its services during the lockdown
- Pub Shop – A pub that has pivoted to provide essential supplies to its local community
- Charity Champion – A pub that has raised money for charity despite the lockdown
- Keeping the Community Entertained – A pub that has continued to provide vital entertainment to its community – virtual quizzes, concerts etc
- Sheltering the Community – A pub that has provided a room for someone in need
- Punch Pub Hero of the Year
- Admiral Pub Hero of the Year
- Greene King Pub Hero of the Year
- Ei Publican Partnerships Pub Hero of the Year
Entries are open until this Friday 31 July and the competition is sponsored by Booker, Coca-Cola European Partners, Heineken UK, Diageo, Sky, EI Publican Partnerships, Admiral, Star Pubs & Bars, Punch Pubs and Greene King.
