Pub lifts ‘hero’ prize for lockdown efforts
On the last night of FeldyRoo deliveries in July, publican Gavin Price (right) presented Ida Warren, one of the original FeldyRoo sign-ups, with a teddy as a souvenier of the daily home visits the team made to her. To her left is Ross Menzies, project administrator and volunteer driver
An Aberfeldy pub has come away with a UK-wide pub award for its amazing community contribution during 13 weeks of lockdown.
The Fountain Bar and Restaurant was crowned winner of the ‘Greene King Pub Hero of the Year’ prize at the 21st Great British Pub Awards which was decided by public vote.
More than 1000 pubs entered, and more than 65,000 members of the public voted to choose the winners.
The pub hero title is bundled with a £10,000 prize which looks likely to be shared around the area.
On Thursday night the pub was closed after 5pm for a socially distanced gathering of all the people who had been involved so they could watch the result live.
The winners were announced in a live stream broadcast on Facebook, hosted by TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, and relayed on screens in the bar.
The good news was greeted with wild jubilation as it sunk in that the Fountain staff had been singled out as the heroes of the spring and summer coronavirus peak.
The pub awards changed focus this year to celebrate publicans’ selfless acts of kindness and highlight all the amazing ways in which pubs have gone above and beyond to support their local communities in lockdown, despite facing hardship themselves.
The Fountain was an obvious contender for national recognition after owner Gavin Price turned his Aberfeldy business into a cooking and delivery powerhouse - #FeldyRoo - helping feed and cheer up self-isolating elderly members of the Aberfeldy community.
The project cooked, packed and delivered nearly 40,000 free meals for seniors during lockdown, breaking the isolation with a chat and a smile that everyone looked forward to when there was nothing else to feel hopeful about.
Starting in March when pubs were told to close, FeldyRoo was born. Ten meals were delivered on the first night, “simply to use up leftover stock”, and by the end of week one, there were more than 100 homes receiving deliveries.
By April, and with the help of volunteers, other local businesses and grants from the likes of the National Lottery and SSE, FeldyRoo was delivering meals and free newspapers to more than 200 homes, twice a day across a 25-mile radius.
More than £130,000 was raised to fund the project.
On hearing of the Fountain’s triumph, Gavin Price said: “Thanks to everyone who voted for us, and supported the community project during lockdown.
“Although this is a prize for the Fountain, we all know it is one for all the businesses involved and our amazing community, Aberfeldy and its fantastic community spirit.
“The £10,000 prize money, as promised, will go to the community. We will come up with three ideas and put it to a vote.
“Well done all at FeldyRoo and the Fountain Bar team.”
He added that it had been an amazing project that brought residents, businesses and volunteers together.
Now, all 15 category winners will have access to a £165,000 fund from Coca-Cola, to help them continue with their community work and make vital business improvements or upgrades in the coming months.
Perthshire North MSP, John Swinney, Perth and North Perthshire MP, Mr Pete Wishart, and Cllr Mike Williamson congratulated the Fountain Bar and Restaurant
“I am delighted to learn of the Fountain Bar’s success, and cannot think of a more fitting recipient of this award,” said Mr Swinney.
Highland ward councillor Mr Williamson said: “Feldy-Roo managed to provide a vital service over a huge geographical area during lockdown. This service required the organising of a huge team of volunteers and extensive fund raising. Everyone who was involved should be proud of this recognition of their achievement.”