Village Pub is Nominated for National Award

An East Sussex pub committed to expanding its facilities for the benefit of its local community has been shortlisted as a finalist in a national award to find the most sustainable rural pub.

The Calor Rural Pub in the Community Award, aims to celebrate pubs that have diversified their businesses to offer residents in their local area a wider range of services.

Since purchasing The Gun Inn in Chiddingly, East Sussex in 2006, the enthusiastic owners have transformed the 15 th century farmhouse pub into an essential part of the local community. Wireless connection has been installed for customer use, a local shop in the old coach house has been opened and a specially created parking bay for the horse riding customers, complete with fresh hay bales has been introduced.

Landlady Natasha Chaussy said: "I was really pleased to find out the pub had been shortlisted as a finalist especially as this is a national competition. The shop has proved very successful since the local village store was closed. All the produce in our shop is sourced from local suppliers wherever possible which we also chose to use in the pub kitchen."

Following a thorough refurbishment the pub now offers customers a welcoming real pub and dining space. The menu incorporates a small surcharge on certain dishes which instantly goes towards supporting the local primary school's healthy eating education programme, for the younger residents of the village.

"We are always looking at ways to our improve our services for our customers and the community discount card has certainty been popular, Not only does it reward our local customers for their continued support, but it also entitles the holders to a free bottle of champagne on their birthday or anniversary. We believe understanding our customers' needs is paramount to the success of our rural pub" added Natasha.

Sabrina Jackson, Calor's bulk marketing manager said: "The response to the Calor Rural Pub in the Community Award this year has been outstanding and we have even received entries from members of the public who believe their local pub deserves recognition for the good work they are doing.

"Award judges look for pubs that have found innovative ways in which to serve their local community and help their own business success in the process. It's pleasing to see so many pubs supporting their communities at a time when other significant facilities and services appear to be leaving the villages."

Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kerridge joined the pub award as one of the judges. As the owner of the Hand and Flowers pub in Marlow, Tom has achieved huge success including a rating of 6/10 in the Good Food Guide, along with the Guide's title of best newcomer for Buckinghamshire, and has successfully retained three AA rosettes.

Tom himself is no stranger to competitions having won the title of Craft Guild of Chefs Pub Restaurant Chef of the Year. More recently, Tom was awarded a Catey, widely regarded as the industry Oscars, in the Newcomer category.

Tom also forms part of the prize for the award as he will visit the winning pub and work alongside staff to deliver a charity event for the benefit of the local community. He will also host a return visit to the highly successful Hand and Flowers, where he will demonstrate the secret of his own success.

The winner will be announced at a prestigious award at Skinners' Hall, the unique country house venue located in the heart of the London city at part of the Calor Village of the Year ® Awards on Tuesday 16 th October 2007.