The Swan, Clewer, Windsor, Berkshire
As the reigning champion of this category last year, the community-owned Swan is setting the bar high and standards have not slipped whatsoever this year.
With a school on-site, the Swan helps a multitude of charities, groups and any extra money raised goes straight into the project work taking place at this site in Clewer.
Indeed, the Green Room College is not only a great place for over-16s unable to access mainstream education, students become staff in the kitchen, front of house and are also on hand to serve drinks on ‘Epic Thursdays’.
Support for local businesses, such independent breweries and a focus on sustainability ensure the Swan is hitting the rights note when it comes to community values.
The Rose & Crown, Ashbury, Wiltshire
This village pub near Swindon has become a true community cornerstone, blending hospitality with creativity and local engagement.
Under Holly Royle’s leadership, the pub hosts choirs, pantomimes, charity concerts, and village-wide events like VE Day celebrations and festive parades.
It supports local causes, from installing a defibrillator and training 40 residents, to lending projection equipment and hosting outreach services like prescription collection and a post office.
Food is elevated pub fare, and drinks include Arkell’s ales and local spirits. And if you’re coming to this lovely site, there’s seven letting rooms too.
The Tynesider, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
Opened a year ago, this revamped former off-licence has transformed into a vibrant community hub. Managed by Luisa, a DJ and nurse, and Lee, who has pretty much built the venue himself, it hosts weekly ‘Boomers’ raves with Age UK, fostering social connections.
Events like Tyneside Soul Club and ska nights attract diverse crowds but one thing for certain is the Tynesider has made a previous no-go area into a trouble-free, thriving scene.
The venue supports local initiatives including litter picking, murals, and horticulture projects. With 4 screens, pop-up food, and Sky/TNT sports, it blends entertainment with inclusivity.
Operating as a social enterprise, it prioritises community impact over profit, helping vulnerable groups and rebuilding local spirit post-Covid.
The Clissold Arms, Muswell Hill, London
This Muswell Hill pub is a vibrant community hub with a strong connection to The Kinks, featuring a dedicated memorabilia room and regular live music.
It hosts a wide range of community activities, from adoption groups and police meetings to knitting clubs, wine tastings and choir nights. Charity is central, with stand-out events like the Chris Harmanada Foundation dinner raising £25,000 last year.
The impressive Greek cuisine is top-notch here and, being Greek-owned, the authenticity is second to none.
A community garden – which is a whopper by all London standards – welcomes customers in and accessibility is well considered. This pub is a must-visit when in the north of the capital.
Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar, Boscombe, Dorset
This vibrant, community-focused pub blends creativity, inclusivity and grassroots music.
With a colourful interior, friendly staff and a two-tiered garden, it hosts a packed weekly schedule: open mic nights, acoustic sets, poetry evenings, and showcases for emerging talent – some of whom have gone on to major venues.
A key player in local culture, Chaplin’s – under the guidance of Harry Secombe – supports initiatives like ‘Increase the Peace’ and has a key input into a local housing project.
Sustainability is central, with composting, foraging walks and energy-efficient upgrades. The pub champions local suppliers, from Boscombe Brewing Co to Conker Gin, and runs a successful smokehouse kitchen.
Lock & Quay, Bootle, Merseyside
This canal-side, charity-owned pub in Bootle is a thriving community hub where all profits support charitable programmes.
It hosts a wide range of inclusive events – from under-18s jam nights and monthly festivals to a visually impaired canoe club and themed bonfire nights.
The pub is part of a larger charity that also runs a local school and is developing accommodation for artists and tourists. It offers free or low-cost space for community groups, including philosophy clubs, music sessions and comedy nights.
Sustainability is a priority, with solar panels, biodegradable plastics and local sourcing – beer is even rolled in from a nearby brewery.
