Why Blackburn's Clifton Arms is more than just a pub

The British Beer and Pub Association's (BBPA) Long Live the Local campaign sheds light on the nearly one million people behind the pint who make the festive season merry despite the financial challenges pubs and brewers are facing.

Carole Davis, owner of the Clifton Arms in Blackburn, has turned her pub into a community hub to offer support to those in need, and won the Grass Roots Community Action award and Community Involvement award last month.

Carole says The Clifton Arms is more than just a pub (Image: Carole Davis)

Carole said: "Pubs aren’t just pubs, we are like a community hub. We're there for one another. It’s not just a place to grab a pint but a space where people can find friendship and help.”

A recent YouGov polling found that across the North West, 82 per cent of people say pubs are important in bringing people together, while 71 per cent think pubs help combat loneliness and isolation.

Carole’s work includes collecting Christmas jumper donations, providing free fish and chips for the lonely or vulnerable and running regular free food events at the pub and more.

This Sunday (December 10), the Clifton Arms will host a free community Christmas lunch at 3pm served on a first come first served basis.

The Clifton team works with local organisations like Liz Crooks from Rummage Rescuers, partnered with Community Spirit for the pub’s annual ‘Giving Tuesday’ event, and even provides companionship for those facing doctor's appointments alone, for example.

Carole shared her appreciation for the support of loyal customers and the collaboration with local organisations and businesses in making Blackburn a “stronger and more caring community.”

She said: “The support has been amazing but it’s not all about money. Anyone can make someone’s day, however big or small.

"Some people will go days without seeing anybody. Just smile and say hello to someone – it makes a big difference. Time is the best gift you can give."

The Long Live the Local campaign is inviting Brits to buy an extra round this Christmas to support the people behind the pint and join the campaign to secure the future of their local.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “So many of life’s milestones are marked by sharing a beer, whether in commiseration or joy.

"The great British pint is woven into the fabric of our communities, economies and regional identities.

“Local pubs are some of our most beloved tourist attractions, while our breweries produce some of the finest beers in the world.

“But the industry needs our support to survive. Britain remains one of the most expensive places in the world to have a pint, with beer duty more than double the average across Europe.

“The next Parliament must make bringing beer duty in line with Europe a priority - taking at least 34 pence off the price of a pint - as well as reforming business rates so that brewers and pubs can continue investing in the future, providing quality jobs and training for people across the whole of the UK.”