Historic Kenilworth pub wins award for work it did for community during last lockdown

Andy Lock, general manager of The Virgins & Castle pub in Kenilworth.

The Virgins & Castle in High Street has won the Heart of the Community Award from the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII).

The team at the Virgins & Castle only took over the pub in March this year and had to close for the first lockdown one week after their opening night.

Andy Lock, General Manager at the Virgins & Castle said: " It goes without saying that we’re an old, traditional pub serving delicious food, great drinks and all with fantastic service, but we believe there’s more to a great pub than that.

"The Famous Virgins & Castle has been here since 1563 and certainly been through some tough times over the last 450 years…not just the last six months.

"When we took over the pub, we wanted to be a place for the community and everyone that visits us in Kenilworth.

"We intend the pub to be here for another 450 years, so we’re just custodians, but want to do all we can to play an active role in our town.

"We’ve been lucky to be involved with some fantastic partners along the way.

"Providing free meals for the COVID-19 Kenilworth Support Group.

"Making free school pack lunches for children during half-term as part of the Marcus Rashford End Child Poverty Campaign.

"Supporting our local schools and colleges with apprenticeships and career advice, reducing single-use plastic with Plastic Free Kenilworth, organising Wellbeing Walks with the mental health charity Mind and supporting international charities like WaterAid with donations collected for our complimentary water.”

In its announcement to the Virgins & Castle team, The BII said: "“We think you [Virgins & Castle] are pretty amazing and deserve recognition for all you have done for your local community. Pubs have always been places for people to come together, but the extra effort you have gone to this year to look after your customers, locals and staff has been wonderful to see.”