Finalists announced in the PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards  

In an unprecedented showcase of community spirit, the finalists for the Community Pub Hero Awards have been unveiled.

Organised by PubAid and sponsored by Matthew Clark, a diverse array of 24 pubs from across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have been shortlisted across five categories, marking a record-breaking year for nominations. 

This year, nearly a thousand pubs were put forward for their extraordinary contributions, with nominations pouring in from Members of Parliament, the general public, and the pubs themselves. This surge in nominations underscores the amazing work that pubs do to support their communities. 

Now in their fourth year, supported by longstanding partner Matthew Clark, the awards have introduced two new categories: Sport and Sustainability. These additions aim to spotlight pubs that are not only community hubs but also vital in supporting grass roots sports and helping to protect the environment locally.  

As proud sponsors, Matthew Clark are delighted to see the high levels of engagement, "The response to this year’s awards has been outstanding. With over 900+ nominations, there’s no doubt that local pubs still hold a special place in the heart and soul of our nations. We’re proud to sponsor these awards and help tell the unique stories of how our pubs support and are supported by their communities.” 

Echoing this sentiment, Des O’Flanagan, co-founder of PubAid, remarked on the impact of pubs in their communities: "This year's number of nominations speaks volumes about the integral role pubs play in their communities, far exceeding their conventional function as just somewhere to go for a drink. We created the awards to recognise the impact pubs have on communities and to thank the people behind the pubs that go above and beyond every day." 

The selection of finalists was entrusted to a panel of experts, each bringing a wealth of experience and insights into the pub industry and community engagement. The panel included: 

• Rita King, Honorary Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group and PubAid steering group member; 
• George Kyle, Head of ESG at C&C Group; 
• Paula Smith, Head of Marketing at the Licensed Trade Charity and PubAid steering group member; 
• Darryl Hinksman, Head of Business Development and MD for Westons Australia; 
• Andrew Buchanan, Operations Director Pubs and Brewing at Daniel Thwaites and member of the BBPA Future Pub group; 
• Molly Davis, Head of Communications for BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) and PubAid steering group member. 

The winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on 5 March, The event will welcome all finalists, industry leaders, and Members of Parliament, celebrating the impact pubs leave on their communities. 

A full list of shortlisted pubs can be found on the PubAid website and are also listed below: 

Community Sport Hero 

• The Sportsman, Boston, Lincolnshire 
• The New Inn Stratton, Swindon 
• The Garden House, Norwich 

Community Support Hero 

England: 

• The Clifton Arms – Blackburn 
• Admiral Rodney Inn – Swadlincote 
• The Rose and Crown – Ashbury, Swindon 
• The Bell and Bear, Emberton, Olney 

Ireland: 

• Charlie’s Bar, Enniskillen 

Scotland: 

• Greenhills Pub, Kilbride 
• The Waverley Inn, Edinburgh 
• The Red Lion Inn, Low Causeway, Dunfermline 

Wales: 

• Yr Owain Glyndwr, Llanddona, Beaumaris 

Community Fundraising Hero 

England:

• The Railway Inn, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln 
• Black Bull Inn – East Halton, Immingham 
• The Half Moon Inn – Willingham by Stow, Gainsborough 

Wales:

• The Sun Trevor – Llangollen 

Scotland: 

• The Bank Bar, Dundee 
• McChuills, High Street, Glasgow 
• Tannochside Miners Club, Tannochside, Glasgow 

Community Regular Hero 

• Bridget and Paul Manley – Blue Ball Inn, Worrall, Sheffield 
• Roisin Therese – Dreadnought Pub, Edinburgh 

Community Sustainability Hero 

• The George – Castleton, Hope Valley 
• The Three Moles – Selham, Petworth 
• The Bell Inn – Hedingham, Halstead 

Find out more about the Community Pub Hero Awards at the PubAid website. PubAid was formed in 2009 with the aim of highlighting the great work done by UK pubs, which includes raising more than £100m every year for hundreds of charities.