News / Pubs
Great British Pub Awards runner-up donates prize money to local charity
A community pub on Gloucester Road, which has received national recognition and accompanying prize money, has donated its winnings to a local charity.
Almondsbury Creative finished as the runner-up in the Community Hero category at the Great British Pub Awards, earning a £1,000 prize from the sponsor Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain.
However, the community pub has decided to donate the prize money to The Grand Appeal, a charity that supports Bristol Children’s Hospital.
The pub’s strong connection to youth sports prompted them to donate their prize to a charity that focuses on young people.
View this post on Instagram
The donation is earmarked for Bristol Children’s Hospital’s British Transplant Games, an event where more than 1,000 young participants, including those who have had organ, stem cell, or bone marrow transplants, compete in a celebration of athleticism and resilience.
Garth Jackson, pub landlord and managing director at Almondsbury Creative, said: “We’re over the moon to have been recognised as a runner-up in the Community Hero category at the Great British Pub Awards.
“This is truly a testament to the spirit of our amazing community, who have supported us since we took over Almondsbury’s former social club five years ago.
“It was a real community effort to save this historic venue, and we’re so proud to see it thriving today as a hub for local sports and family activities.”
The former social club, which was on the brink of closure, was saved at the eleventh hour through a concerted community effort.
The former social club, which was on the brink of closure, was saved at the eleventh hour through a concerted community effort – photo: Almondsbury Creative
Since 2019, it has been given a new lease of life as a vibrant community hub. Today, it serves as a major youth sports centre, supporting over 300 young football players, 40 cricketers, and a popular tennis programme that has grown from 40 to 250 members.
Holly Firmin, senior community partnerships manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain, added: “It’s truly inspiring to see how pubs like Almondsbury Creative have evolved into more than just places to come together and enjoy a drink—they’ve become vital community hubs.”
The pub, located near Almondsbury Common, hosts several popular local events, such as an annual fireworks display with themes like Harry Potter, The Greatest Showman, and Star Wars.
It also organises the Small Town Big Festival, a three-day musical event that includes live performances, a children’s stage, and partnerships with local charities, including Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home.
Additionally, every Friday, the pub offers the Kids Creative Club, providing two hours of free activities, such as singing, dancing, crafts, and films.
Almondsbury Creative, who finished runner-up in the “Community Hero” category at the Great British Pub Awards has donated its prize money to Bristol Children’s Hospital’s The Grand Appeal charity – photo: Citypress
“This award means the world to us. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together, and we’re excited to keep growing, supporting new initiatives, and creating a place where everyone can feel at home,” said Jackson.
Main photo: Citypress
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
