The Nightingale sings again in Guinness contest

Arthur's Day, which took place on September 24, was a celebration of 250 years of Guinness.

But it was also a celebration of the pubs that have served it so long, helping make it the iconic global brand that it is today - and that have served their communities in 1850s equal measure.

That was the thinking behind the Guinness Community Outlet of the Year contest, launched in association with The Publican earlier this year to find the pubs which best embody the spirit of the pub trade in the Guinness anniversary year.

And with thousands of pounds in prizes up for grabs, a host of fantastic, inspiring pubs were enticed to put themselves forward for the title.

Judges, which included The Publican's managing editor Daniel Pearce, were looking for the pubs which really live up to Arthur Guinness' belief in supporting the community, whether that be through raising money for charity, organising regular events or making a special effort to look after their customers.

As the Guinness Community Outlet of the Year judges were also looking for pubs which were on top of sales of the black stuff.

And in the Nightingale, in Balham, South London, they found a pub which truly ticks every box.

Steeped in history​

A Young's lease on a picturesque site dating back to the 1850s, the Nightingale is already well-known to Publican readers as a multi-award winning venue - and is the current holder of The Publican's own Community Pub of the Year title.

There is no coincidence - the feat of licensees Lee and Keris de Villiers in taking both prizes this year underlines the pub's status as simply the best community pub in the country.

Since taking over the pub five years Lee and Keris and their team - including legendary local barmaid Joanie Clement, aged 75 - have worked tirelessly to forge links with their local community, hosting regular events such as 'Meet the Neighbours parties, and initiatives to engage with local people. A regular newsletter goes out to locals, while Ram Rod, the pub's mascot, travels all over the world with regulars and staff - with a Facebook page set up to showcase his photos!

But this Nightingale doesn't only sing for its community - it also walks! The pub has become famous locally for the amazing Nightingale Walk, an annual charity walk along the nearby River Thames which has raised more than £450,000 for charity over the last 30 years. More than 300 local people took part in the latest walk this May.

And it is Lee and Keris' plans for the prize money that really underline their place in this community. The prize included £5,125 for improvements and £3,075 for staff and themselves.

Among its local services it the pub has also forged close links with the neighbouring Queen Elizabeth House, which provides sheltered accommodation, regularly raising funds for them, and welcoming visitors to the house into the pub.

Keris is now talking to the council about using some of the prize money to pave over a cobbled area in front of the pub to make it easier for the elderly people to walk to the local shop.

The pub also received more than £2,000 for a local event to celebrate Arthur's Day - and the party, featuring live music, a free buffet with Steak & Guinness pie, Guinness oysters and even Guinness brownies, certainly went with a swing.

Locals were thanked for their own part in making the Nightingale the Guinness Community Outlet of the Year.

Guinness Community Outlet of the Year: the runners-up​

The following pubs received runners-up prizes worth £2,500 each after the Guinness competition

• the Trafford Arms in Norwich

• the Three Tuns in Darlington

• the Hollingwood in Chesterfield

• JK's Club in Neath

• the Lamb in Newbury.

Arthur's Day ​

Tom Jones, Dizee Rascal and Kasabian were among the stars who helped Guinness celebrate Arthur's Day in a unique celebration in Dublin last month.

The party, at the St James's Gate Brewery and broadcast on Sky's Pub TV Channel, coincided with a call to pubs everywhere to raise a toast to Arthur Guinness at 17:59 local time.

More than 11,000 point of sale kits were distributed to pubs to promote the day, with Guinness-owner Diageo supporting around 3,500 outlets running special events as the brand marked the 250th anniversary of Arthur Guinness signing the lease on the brewery.

Diageo believes an extra one million pints of Guinness were sold on and around the day.