The Royal Oak, a much-loved pub in Radcliffe-on-Trent, is investing £1,000 into local community projects after reaching the final six in the Community Hero category at The Great British Pub Awards.
The prize money was provided by category sponsor Coca-Cola.
A staple of the village since 1855, The Royal Oak – under the helm of landlord Chris Farman – has become a vibrant community hub, offering events and activities that bring thousands of locals together.
Its popular street food festivals showcase up to 20 local vendors, offering everything from Middle Eastern and Asian dishes to British classics. The festivals provide local traders with a platform to grow their businesses while drawing crowds to the village. The pub also runs a monthly village market, which transforms into a festive Christmas market in winter, featuring more than 50 stalls, live music, and even a Santa’s grotto.
Weekly pub quizzes at The Royal Oak raise money for charities such as Alzheimer’s UK, local sports teams, and marathon fundraisers. The pub is also a proud supporter of Radcliffe-on-Trent’s Men’s Mental Health Group, having raised £1,500 to install mental health signposts in the village and providing a welcoming space for monthly meetups.
Last December, the pub’s staff took part in a “Big Sleep Out” for the homelessness charity Only A Pavement Away, raising more than £1,200 to support its work. The team has since created 30 essential backpacks containing clothing and practical items to help those in need, which will be handed over in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, The Royal Oak is teaming up with local schools to launch a young entrepreneur’s scheme – giving students the chance to gain real-world business experience, culminating in the sale of their own creations at the pub’s Christmas market later this year.
The £1,000 prize money from Coca-Cola will go towards creating more essential packs for Only A Pavement Away.
Chris Farman, Landlord of The Royal Oak, said: “As a pub with nearly 170 years of history, we’ve always been about so much more than just pouring pints – we’re here to bring people together and create a welcoming space where support is readily available.
“During a recent dig in our garden, we unearthed the old brewery well and even a fragment of the original brewery sign. Seeing those pieces of history made me realise just how deeply rooted this pub is in the heart of Radcliffe-on-Trent. It’s a reminder that The Royal Oak has always been a part of the village’s story.
“That’s why it’s so important to me that we bring exciting events, opportunities, and meaningful support to locals’ doorsteps. The help from Coca-Cola means a lot and is another way for us to keep building these connections and being that helping hand.”
Holly Firmin, Senior Community Partnerships Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, commented: “Pubs like The Royal Oak are at the heart of the community, offering a space for people to connect and support each other. It’s inspiring to see the dedication from Chris and his team, who continue to make a positive impact through events, charity work, and support for local businesses.
“We’re proud to support their efforts and look forward to seeing the impact they’ll continue to make in Radcliffe-on-Trent over the next year.”
