Representatives from across the beer and pub industry joined together for the British Beer and Pub Association’s annual dinner, to celebrate community champions. It raised £20,000 for good causes.
John Longden, chief executive of Pub is the Hub, with BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin. Photograph: BBPA
The event took place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, near Tower Bridge, in London, and was sponsored by Sky. It was attended by more than 300 people from brewing and pub businesses and the organisations that support them, celebrating those who tirelessly support the industry and the communities it serves.
Alongside fundraising for Only A Pavement Away and The Licensed Trade Charity, two awards were presented. Patrick Dardis received the chairman’s award, presented by BBPA chairman and chief executive of St Austell Brewery, Kevin Georgel, for his long-term service to the industry in various roles. This includes more than 20 years as chief executive of Young’s.
John Longden, of Pub is the Hub, picked up the industry champion award for his organisation’s work in helping pubs to diversify to further support their communities.
John said: “You have no idea how special this is. This is also for the family of Pub is The Hub, and to our family of supporters. We all enjoy collaborating and helping publicans in their local areas.
“For every £1 invested in a shop, community café, village garden, or play area, it creates between £8 to £9 of social value. It is the social value that helps to bind us together in this wonderful industry.
“We believe we can inspire 1,000 projects over the next three years, and we have over 50 expressions of interest at this time.”
The annual event was a time to reflect on a difficult period for the industry, while recognising its tenacity and resilience. Kevin Georgel drew comparison of the sector’s recent experiences to Christopher Columbus’ exploration into the New World.
He said: “His world, too, was turning upside down. His compass had let him down. Could he trust it? Did he panic? Did he turn round? Did he despair? No, he held his course and sailed into history.
“In some ways our own compass has gone haywire for these past two years, but we have stayed true to our own North Star and carried on together.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, added: “This time last year we hoped we were done with ‘unprecedented times’, but here we are again after another year of surprises, challenges, and once-in-a-lifetimes events.
“And throughout all of it our pubs and brewers have remained at the heart of villages, towns, and cities across the countries, providing a place of solace and community for so many, and it’s why I am really proud to stand here tonight representing our brilliant industry.”
