The competition, organised by PubAid and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG) and sponsored by Matthew Clark, received more than 200 entries, including 70 from MPs who nominated pubs in their constituencies.
All 15 have demonstrated outstanding support for their local communities or charities, and fall into one of three categories: Community Support Hero, Charity Fundraising Hero and a new Community Regular Hero where pubs nominated a supportive customer.
Extra mile
Des O’Flanagan co-founder of PubAid, which promote UK pubs as a force for good in their communities, said: “Our heartfelt congratulations go to our finalists, who have earned their place by going the extra mile and demonstrating, once again, that pubs are a force for good in their communities.
“I was impressed by the stories from so many pubs, who have raised astonishing sums for charities, or provided incredible support for local people, despite frequently facing uncertainty themselves. Choosing the 15 finalists was a real challenge and those who have reached the shortlist should be very proud of their achievement.”
More entries
John Steele, trade marketing director of on-trade wholesaler Matthew Clark, added: “We were delighted to support this competition again and pleased to see an increase in the number of entries over last year. It is wonderful to hear about the great work done by licensees and their teams and we’re happy to be giving them well-deserved recognition.”
Alun Cairns MP and chairman of the APPBG, said: “To receive 70 nominations from MPs is an excellent result and shows how pubs are valued as hubs of charity and community support in constituencies across the country. All MPs with shortlisted pubs in their constituency will join me in congratulating them on reaching the finals in a very tough competition.”
The overall winners will be announced in March at an event in London attended by shortlisted licensees and their MPs.
