CCEP donated thousands to those shortlisted in the category for the pubs to give to initiatives close to their hearts and make a difference in their communities.
Last year’s winner, the Swan in Clewer, Berkshire, was awarded £5,000 by CCEP.
The pub donated half its winnings to The Green Room Foundation - a charity that offers young adults aged between 16 and 19 project-based learning and life skills through a two-year programme.
Community work
The remaining cash went directly to the pub, supporting local initiatives including a ukulele group, French classes, Windsor Cycle Hub and a weekly Chatty Café, which aims to help tackle loneliness.
Runners up were each given £1,000 by CCEP to spend on worthy causes, to help them continue the community work that impressed the judges.
The Almondsbury Creative near Bristol supported The Grand Appeal - the charity behind the Bristol Children’s Hospitality’s British Transplant Games.
Fellow finalist the Guy Earl of Warwick in Welling, London shared its £1,000 between Darent Valley Hospital and the Woolwich Service Users Project, which is a homelessness charity that provides hot meals, laundry facilities, haircuts, showers and access to a clothing bank.
Making a difference
Just outside of Nottingham, the Royal Oak in Radcliffe-on-Trent created essential packs of clothing and practical items for Only A Pavement Away with its money.
West Sussex-based pub the King’s Arms funded its ‘King’s Community Garden', which aims to bring the local Horsham community together and breathe new life into green spaces.
CCEP senior community partnership manager Holly Firmin said: “These pubs are far more than just places to enjoy a drink - they’re the heart and soul of their communities.
“From supporting youth initiatives to tackling homelessness and loneliness, they truly make a difference and are a lifeline to many.
“We’re incredibly proud to have supported these pubs and with the next Great British Pub Awards competition kicking off soon, we’re excited to see them - and pubs across the country - continue making a difference in their communities.”
