Village Pub's Well Deserved Good News Comes in the Form of a National Award Nomination

A family run Worcestershire pub that was victim to two floods in just four weeks has heard that it has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Calor Rural Pub in the Community Award, a national search to find the country's most community-focused rural pub.

The recent floods were a true example of the pub's community spirit as many people lent a hand in 'bailing out' the pub which was sustained flooding of 2 feet in the first occurrence and four feet in the second.

The Calor Rural Pub in the Community Award, aims to celebrate pubs that have diversified their businesses to offer their local community a wider range of services. In her entry to the award, owner Jean Clift highlighted how the pub has dedicated itself to supporting local sustainable projects and providing community groups with a secure meeting place.

The Talbot has been owned and managed by the Clift family for 23 years, with three generations still working there. Located on the River Teme, Knightwick in Worcester , the 15 th century pub operates its own micro brewery, instigated the popular local market, coordinates the village recycling plant and proudly holds the role of flood wardens for the area.

Landlady Annie Clift said: "I was really pleased to find out the pub had been shortlisted as a finalist especially as this is a national competition. We feel immensely proud of what we have achieved over the years. We began the Teme Valley Market in 1998 with only four stalls and it has now extended to 26 and attracts between 250 and 300 customers each month. All the stalls supply local and organic produce and we are also finding local crafts are becoming a popular choice.

Supporting local community groups has become second nature for The Talbot. The pub provides a venue for the British Legion, Morris dancers, Young Farmers and Riding for the Disable as well as donating fund raising gifts at numerous community events, especially those to do with young people, playgroups, Brownies etc. "We see ourselves as a long standing local family supporting the local people and we will continue to explore ways in which we can enhance our facilities for the benefit of the village." added Mrs Clift.

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.