When the word got around Cold Ash in Berkshire that their local - the Castle Inn in Thatcham - was in the running for a CAMRA - Best Community Pub Award of 2010 - votes started pouring in. “I never canvassed for votes, they just sort of came in.” Says Nick Hex the licensee.
Nick has been runner up on numerous occasions but this is the first time he’s won the award during the 16 years he’s been the licensee.
So what’s made Nick a winner over hundreds of other entrants for the award?
Nick’s menu for success comes from becoming the central focus of the local community and supporting the charities that matter to his customers. “Last year we raised £2,800 for the Naomi House Children’s Hospice in Winchester, and £2,000 for the CLIC Sargent – caring for children with Cancer.”
The Castle Inn also supports lots of local teams from snooker to cricket “We provide the tea in their club house after cricket matches.”
When the cycle group took part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride challenge in aid of the British Heart Foundation Nick provided a barbeque on the beach and then transported all their bikes back home afterwards.
The Castle Inn hosts the usual events like quiz nights “It’s been difficult thinking of how to get people to commit to going out during the week” The weekend trade is doing very well due to an excellent Sunday Roast. “Mondays to Thursdays are traditionally difficult nights to fill so I invite young musicians to perform and that has proved quite popular.”
Competition from a nearby pub recently taken over is proving challenging for Nick as they have dropped there prices and undercut the Castle Inn. “Healthy competition is good, and while some of our customers might try the new pub, I am confident they will come back to us.”
Nick’s volume is in growth already this year showing that he is definitely winning the battle.