Community pub picks up praise – and a prize
CAMRA WINNER IS BOUNCING BACK FROM LOCKDOWNS
TWO years ago when the coronavirus pandemic began and the country largely shut down, a lot of people missed their local pub, including regulars at Hinckley’s The New Plough Inn.
So Louise and Darren Lavender, who have run the pub for 13 years, did everything they could to keep the pub going even when the doors were locked.
They continued their regular pub quizzes, but moved them online.
Later in the lockdown they started offering delivery, not just of the pub’s real ales and specialist gins, but also the food.
The Marstons pub, in Leicester Road, has now been named Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) branch in Hinckley and Bosworth.
They were presented with the award by the Bosworth MP, Luke Evans.
The pub has won Pub of the Year three times since 2011. Aside from their work behind the bar, Darren took on a brewery in 2016 and Louise ran Hinckley Carnival for five years.
Louise said: “For it (the award) to come back to us is quite amazing – there’s a lot of stiff competition out there at the moment.
“Coming out of the pandemic we didn’t know what business would be like, but we’ve seen a lot of new people come to the pub and thankfully they’ve continued drinking with us.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who stops in for a pint or takes part in a quiz and to Camra for its support.”
Dr Evans said: “A community pub is so important, and never more so than after the past couple of years when it’s been taken away from us due to the pandemic.
“So, it was wonderful to go down to the New Plough Inn, present this very well-deserved award and speak to some of the regulars.
“While it is clear how much the pub and its owners mean to people, their support and loyalty has meant Louise, Darren and the staff have been able to bounce back and are continuing with their inspiring fund-raising for charities.
“The effects of the pandemic may unfortunately be felt for many years by those in the hospitality sector, but with the support of our community Louise and Darren are back doing what they do best.
“I wish them all the best and I’m sure it won’t be long before they’re celebrating another award.”