Publican Awards 2024 Best Comununity Pub Operator winner, sponsored by Britvic: Proper Pubs

The pub group, which is part of Admiral Taverns, recently opened its 200^th​ site with community remaining the cornerstone of its strategy.

Judges felt the pubco has really connected with its operators and the local communities it operates in. 

The company culture and ethos of being "community obsessed" really shone through. And judges were impressed with the importance placed by the pubco on investing in the living accommodation for its operators.

Company approach

There is a very professional and individual approach to community needs, which was recognised by judges as having a real impact on people living locally.

Innovation has been at the core of the approach from Proper Pubs this year. Responding to community needs has seen the company recently announce the launch of a new mid-market pub concept.

While Proper Pubs has traditionally focused on value wet-led sites, this new mid-market model is designed to maintain great value but will offer customers something different with an “extensive” wine list, craft lager, and coffee.

The group has a strategy of working closely with local businesses and people, which means it is able to respond to the needs of those locally.

Community recognised

As part of this approach the Proper Pubs Community Hero Awards have been designed to recognise people within the community that are unsung heroes.

Its pubs have raised money to install defibrillators and all have one outside or within 100m of the venue. 

The company also supports Chasing the Stigma, a charity committed to normalising mental health. In May last year, Admiral Taverns raised £100,000 for the charity of which £67,000 was raised by Proper Pubs.

There are future plans to continue this strategy. The group wants to utilise its pub spaces including its carparks making them available for car boots and school drop offs.

It also wants to use its function rooms to host women’s institute or kids’ birthday parties – all of which will be available to the community for free.  There will also be a focus on pubs supporting food banks.