Are you a GBPA Hero? Pub Shop

We’re calling for pubs that pivoted their operations during lockdown to set up as vital village shops during the crisis as part of the Great British Pub Awards Pub Heroes 2020.

For this year’s competition, we’re shining a spotlight on operators that went above and beyond to look after their local communities in a variety of ways, one of which was running a community shop.

Ed Bedington, editor of the MA​, which organises the awards, said: “There was a great deal of worry and concern at the start of the crisis, which led to a degree of panic buying and basic commodities running short on the supermarket shelves.

“Pubs, which unlike their retail counterparts had been ordered to close, were quick to spot the difficulties consumers were facing and many switched focus to provide shopping outlets to provide basic essentials, from eggs and milk to break and vegetables.

“This is just yet another example of what makes pubs so special, and we’d love to hear all your stories of trade for this category so we can celebrate your actions.”

The Great British Pub Awards Pub Heroes is an evolution of the traditional Great British Pub Awards, and aims to shine a real spotlight on some of the fantastic achievements of pubs during the coronavirus crisis.

Bedington added: “Pubs have really been hit hard by the crisis, but rather than shut up shop and walk away, we’ve seen operators not only rise to the challenge, but go way beyond that, doing amazing things to support the communities they serve.

“We want to use these awards to help shout from the rooftops about how great pubs are, and what a vital part they are of the fabric of our society.”

You can enter the Pub Shop category, sponsored by Booker, now at www.greatbritishpubawards.co.uk​​​ and the winner will not only receive £1,000 from Coca Cola to put towards a charity of their choice, but also the opportunity to bid for a £10,000 grant towards a business improvement upgrade or community project of your choice.

The full list of categories in the competition are: 

• Feeding the Community​​ – A pub that has kept their community fed
• Front-Line Support​​ – A pub that has supported the NHS and other front-line workers in a variety of ways
• Staff Welfare​​ – A pub that has gone above and beyond to look after their teams
• Community Mindfulness​​ – A pub that has supported the community’s mental health
• Community Services​​ – A pub that has looked after vulnerable customers
• Business Continuity​​ – A pub that has found innovative ways to continue to deliver its services during the lockdown
• Pub Shop​​ – A pub that has pivoted to provide essential supplies to its local community
• Charity Champion​​ – A pub that has raised money for charity despite the lockdown
• Keeping the Community Entertained​​ – A pub that has continued to provide vital entertainment to its community – virtual quizzes, concerts etc
• Sheltering the Community​​ – A pub that has provided a room for someone in need
• Punch Pub Hero of the Year​​
• Admiral Pub Hero of the Year​​
• Greene King Pub Hero of the Year​​
• Ei Publican Partnerships Pub Hero of the Year​

Entries are open until this Friday July 24 and the competition is sponsored by Booker, Coca-Cola European Partners, Heineken UK, Diageo, Sky, Ei Publican Partnerships, Admiral, Star Pubs & Bars, Punch Pubs and Greene King.