The Rhondda pub is the hub of the local community in south Wales, with dozens of sports teams and other types of groups calling the pub their home. Licensee Adrian Emmett and his staff also work with local schools and do a huge amount of charitable fundraising.
The money will fund a loyalty scheme for local independent shops, the Christmas parade (organised by Emmett and his team), five Santa’s grottos, late-night shopping evenings and more.
Stamp system
To support local people and retailers feeling the effects of the rising cost of living, the new local loyalty scheme will see everyone that spends £10 in an independent shop receive a stamp. Five stamps will equate to a £10 voucher to spend on the high street.
Similarly, everyone who visits one of the Santa’s Grottos will be given a £5 voucher to spend locally and keep Treorchy thriving.
Emmett said: “This is a proud moment for us, our pub and our town. Community is really at the core of Treorchy and we can’t wait to bring the best Christmas ever to our locals. It’s always the highlight of the year and now more than ever people need to come together and celebrate – especially as the parade has had a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.”
Paving the way
Holly Firmin, senior community partnerships manager at Coca-Cola, which sponsored the Community Hero award at the GBPA, added: “It’s inspiring to see how pubs are continuing to support local people and good causes post-pandemic and now during the tough economic climate we’re all experiencing. The Lion is no exception and really is paving the way for other pubs to follow their community efforts.
“As one of the best pubs in the UK, we’re really pleased to be helping the team at The Lion and the wider community in Treorchy. Funding this donation is our way of saying well done and thank you.”
The Lion has been recognised in the GBPA before. In 2021, it was shortlisted in the same category and donated its £1,000 prize money from Coca-Cola to Improving Rhondda Foodshare.
