The Pig and Whistle, part of Punch Pubs & Co. has been crowned best in England for its work with community and grassroot sports teams at the PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards.
The Pig and Whistle entered its work into the Community Sport Hero for England category of the national awards which recognises pubs which support grassroots sport in their communities or brings the community together via sporting events.
The pub won for its extensive work and support of local clubs. It sponsors a local ladies netball club, The Wilddog Rugby Teams, Earlsfield FC, a player in the ice hockey team, The Streatham RedHawks, and more. It beat two other finalists to be crowned winner.
It also has a running team, it donates money from food sales to sports clubs for young people and acts as a social venue for many clubs.
Lee De Villiers who runs the pub alongside partner, Keris, said: “We are very proud to contribute to grassroot sports and that they form such an integral part of our community and pubs. We are delighted to have been presented with an award for something that is so close to our hearts. Many thanks to PubAid for their fantastic endeavours.”
Pubs contribute over £40m each year to community sport. From kits, to sponsorship to hosting events the awards recognise pubs that showcase the important role pubs play to the health and wellbeing of their community.
The Pig & Whistle was crowned at a prestigious award ceremony, sponsored by Matthew Clark, at the Houses of Parliament on 4 March which was attended by pub manager Luke De Villiers and Tristan Smith, as well as industry leaders and MPs.
Des O’Flanagan, co-founder of PubAid, added: “The Community Pub Hero Awards highlight all the wonderful and invaluable work publicans do for their local communities and it’s heart-warming that pubs raise so much money for local and national charities. The standard or entry this year has been extremely high as many pubs continue to raise the bar when it comes to supporting their community so the Pig & Whistle should be extremely proud of what they have achieved to be crowned the winner.”
PubAid, which organises the awards in association with Matthew Clark and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, is the positive voice for UK pubs.
