We can all agree that 2020 has been a tough year and with Covid-19 forcing us into lockdown the hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard. An industry that thrives off community spirit and socialising, with lockdown restrictions and months of closure, they have not been able to do what they do best.
Despite this, the hospitality industry does not just give up in the face of adversity. Many pubs refused to accept the hand they were dealt and decided to keep that spirit alive and continue to support their communities.
This is what the Great British Pub Awards – Pub Heroes 2020 aims to celebrate and, “to reward the operators that really went above and beyond, despite the pressures and challenges they were facing in their own businesses,” as the Morning Advertiser, who organises the awards, summarised.
There have been so many examples of pubs stepping up to lend helping hands and be there when the community have needed support, so with a very tough job on their hands, the judges have managed to shortlist the finalists across fifteen categories.
Ed Bedington, editor of the MA, said “We have always talked about the important role that pubs play in the community, how they are often the beating heart, or the hubs of the areas they’re in.
“This crisis has really thrown a spotlight on that, with pubs doing amazing things, despite the challenge that lockdown posed for them.
“To recognise and reward that, we’ve adapted our normal Great British Pub Awards to celebrate the Pub Heroes of 2020, to help spread the word and shout about the great things British pubs did during the global pandemic.
“We’ve been inundated with entries across a wide range of categories with some amazing stories coming to light. Sadly we can only shortlist a few but I’d like to pay tribute to all the pubs entering, you’ve all done an amazing job in very difficult circumstances and should be proud of your achievements.”
The vote is still open and closes at 23:59 on Wednesday 26th August with the online awards ceremony set to take place on Thursday 24th September.
The categories are listed below, please follow the links to read about the finalists and vote for your winner.
Keeping the Community Entertained
Ei Publican Partnership Pub Hero of the Year
Admiral Taverns Pub Hero of the Year
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