Some sections of the community rely on the pub for their social and mental wellbeing and it was fantastic to see pubs continue to play that role despite the challenges that closure presented.
Now the Great British Pub Awards Pub Heroes 2020 aims to throw a spotlight on the operators that stepped forward to ensure the community was held together.
Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “Pubs act as the hubs of the communities they serve, offering different groups and organisations the opportunity to meet and socialise.
“The coronavirus crisis put that at risk, but it was amazing to see how innovative some operators were in embracing new technology to maintain those contacts, and also providing opportunities for vulnerable members of the community to reach out and be looked after.”
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 coronavirus 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 Community Mindfulness category now at www.greatbritishpubawards.co.uk and 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.