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A pub near Bristol has won £1,000 as the runner-up in the Community Hero category at this year’s Great British Pub Awards.

Almondsbury Creative, on Gloucester Road in Almondsbury, has donated its winnings to The Grand Appeal.

The pub’s strong connection to youth sports inspired landlord Garth Jackson and his team to donate the prize to the charity that supports Bristol Children's Hospital.

Almondsbury Creative won £1,000 as the runner-up in the Community Hero category at this year’s Great British Pub Awards | Tom Wren / SWNS

Garth said the award 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,” he said.

“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."

Garth Jackson and his team have donated their winnings to The Grand Appeal | Tom Wren / SWNS

The former social club was revived in 2019 when the local community rallied together to prevent its closure.

Now it stands as a major youth sports hub, supporting more than 300 youth football players and 40 cricket players and a rapidly growing tennis programme that has expanded from 40 to 250 members.

Looking to the future, Almondsbury Creative remains committed to helping the community with ongoing fundraising efforts, from a new sensory play park for children with disabilities, to raising funds for new cricket nets to support the local team.

Holly Firmin, senior community partnerships manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain, which sponsors the Great British Pub Awards, 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 team’s dedication to supporting local causes, from youth sports to family-friendly events and charitable initiatives, perfectly embodies what a community pub should be.

“I’m excited to see what Garth and his team will continue to achieve, from the development of the new sensory play park, to simply continuing to bring locals together.”

Great British Pub Awards: Almondsbury Creative near Bristol recognised as a vital community hub

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