The Lion Hotel, Treorchy has been named the winner of Community Hero at the Great British Pub Awards 2022.
The awards, that recognise pubs that have succeeded in building a successful business and is at the centre of its community, attracted entrants from all over the country, with Licensee Adrian Emmett scooping the top award.
Adrian has built up a huge community presence, supports numerous local causes and is always finding ways to help and make a positive impact within the local community. The pub has long been the centre point for successful high street initiatives such as the Christmas Parade and together with his team partnerships have been forged with local schools and charities; community groups and festivals have been supported. Projects such as the new multi-purpose “Live at the Box” library and reading red phone box, and the “Green Valley” sustainable fruit and veg shop, have been undertaken providing services way beyond that of a typical pub. The Lion Hotel received a special visit in July this year, during a tour of Wales by non-other than His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, who stopped by to meet Adrian and the team, with the now King even pouring a pint behind the bar.
The chameleon style pub changes throughout the week from hosting weekly coffee catch-ups to being the main meeting place for those who want to watch and enjoy sport
“Being at the centre of our community is our focus”, said Adrian, “And to win this award is testimony to the amazing support and assistance from the team at the pub for their continuous hard work and commitment to our customers.”
“I would also like to thank all the individuals who continue to support the Lion Hotel and always visit us, this wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Stonegate Group Chief Executive Officer, Simon Longbottom said “Everybody within Stonegate Group is proud to see Adrian and his team pick up this special award. We admire the effort and teamwork amongst all those that work at The Lion Hotel and the huge amount they do for the community and local causes in the Treorchy area. This award highlights the ethos within our Pub Partnership division with businesses sitting within the heart of their communities.”
The Great British Pub Awards took place at the Escape to Freight Island in Manchester, hosted by comedian, writer and actor, Russell Kane, where the winners from all 16 categories were announced in person and via livestream. The Awards recognise pubs, and their teams across the country for their amazing efforts and hard work to makes Britain’s pubs great for their local communities.
