Adam Prestage, the operator of the Witton Chimes, on Witton Street in Northwich, has been awarded the British Institute of Innkeeping’s (BII) Heart of the Community Award in recognition for his hard work supporting his community during lockdown from March to July this year.
 
Adam entertained his customers throughout lockdown, streaming discos and live DJ sets via Facebook, dubbed Adam’s Kinky Pinky Virtual Lockdown Disco, while also raising money for local sensory and soft play social café, Tiny Steps.
 
His efforts raised over £500 for the charity and served the dual purpose of keeping customers engaged and entertained throughout lockdown, and still generating the Craft Union community spirit the pub is famous for.
 
The Heart of the Community award is uniquely not about competing companies or individuals against each other and recognises all those the industry body believes have gone above and beyond for their communities. Adam is one of just 22 national recipients to have been recognised this year.
 
Adam said: “We’re so proud and honoured to have been awarded this accolade by the British Institute of Innkeeping! It means a lot to be able to contribute to the reputation of Craft Union pubs as the centre of our communities too. We’ve always been about supporting our communities, and that didn’t change in the first lockdown, nor will it in the second.
 
“We’re obviously devastated to close our doors again, but we will continue to be a part of the lives of our customers virtually, and will come back stronger than ever in December. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back again.”
 
Frazer Grimbleby, Operations Director of Craft Union, said: “We are incredibly proud of the amazing work undertaken by Adam during lockdown, and to have had this achievement recognised by the BII through the Heart of the Community award is testament to just how dedicated he is to his community.
 
“At Craft Union, our ethos is centred around our communities and to see that reflected in the day-to-day actions of our operators throughout lockdown is truly heart-warming”
 
The Witton Chimes, 122 Witton Chimes, Northwich CW9 5NW
 
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