CUMBRIAN PUB IS NATION’S HEARTWARMING HERO
A CUMBRIAN pub has scooped top prize in Heinz’s Heartwarming Heroes competition – and has pledged to turn hundreds of children into life-saving heroes with the prize money.
The Kings Arms, in Burton-in-Kendal, won first place in the national competition, which was searching for pubs and restaurants that go the extra mile.
Winners Ann and Neil France, Licensees of the Thwaites pub, will receive £10,000 prize money as well as £10,000 towards a community event.
Ann said: “We couldn’t believe it when we were told we had won. Neil read out the email to me and I thought he was joking but we’re absolutely thrilled with the news. It’s a great honour for the pub and it will be great for the village.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support we’ve had from everyone and would like to thank all those involved.”
Ann and Neil are planning to spend the prize money on a community first aid day for the local primary school, teaching youngsters, their parents and teachers valuable life-saving skills. The day will include demonstrations, practical advice and take away materials to help keep the whole community safe. They are currently contacting local organisations that may be interested in supporting the event, including the Air Ambulance and Community First Responders.
The Kings Arms is a former coaching inn dating back to 1753, and listed as a stop off on the John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle route, as well as the Wainwright Coast to Coast walk. As a result, it is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists and recently expanded, converting a barn into seven luxury bedrooms, which gives them 13 ensuite letting rooms in total.
Ann and Neil have been at the helm for seven years, and have run pubs across the country for the last 37 years. They are at the heart of village life in Burton-in-Kendal, hosting two major annual events, the Daffodil Show and Onion Show, which raise thousands of pounds for local good causes. They have turned the rear of their car park into allotments for local growers and support the local school sports day.
News that they had been named top community pub in the Heinz competition came as no surprise to Andrew Buchanan, Daniel Thwaites’ Director of Pub Operations, who said: “Ann and Neil have high standards in place and take pride in the pub as well as making a valuable contribution to the local community. Whenever I speak to them they are always at the heart of activity taking place in Burton-in-Kendal and willing to get involved in anything that brings the community together.
“Their friendly approach makes the King’s Arms welcoming for both locals and visitors alike and they deserve every success.”
