The Bell at Sapperton is a sustainability champion because they have shown commitment to running a sustainable business. They have shown that they are actively involved in energy reduction, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, as well as pushing for customer and team engagement to being sustainable.

The Bell at Sapperton is an independent, family-run pub in the heart of the Cotswold’s Hills Area. Owned and ran by Peter Austen, The Bell at Sapperton is determined to provide guests with the best experience possible while operating with a sustainable mindset.

All light fixtures have been fitted with LED bulbs, along with timers and sensors to reduce unwanted energy usage. Within the kitchen, Peter has invested in energy-efficient appliances which are monitored to actively manage energy usage.

Peter has also implemented recycling programs, including using clear waste bags to visually measure their waste daily. Additionally, changes to the menu have been put into place to reduce their food waste, and Single-use plastics have been removed for more sustainable, reusable materials and recyclable  replacements

In the kitchen, all the food is freshly prepared using local and regional produce, reducing their food miles and carbon footprint. Ingredients and menu options will change monthly depending on the season and what is available to them locally. The pub sources their lamb and venison from a field or two away, and they are constantly engaging with local farmers and villagers to provide fruits and veg for the pub. Their ‘Wine Wall’, a shop in the front bar, contains wine bottles that Peter and family have sourced themselves with their travels around the world, offering quality drinks without the mark-up, and any other drinks are sourced locally to the Cotswold.

The team at The Bell at Sapperton are greatly involved in the pub’s sustainable journey, making team members a ‘Sustainability Champion’, along with promoting green transport to work, such as walking and cycling. Staff of this wonderful pub have also helped in the joint venture to “re-wild” the land surrounding the village, in an aim to create more spaces for wildlife again.

“We are the main business and employer in our beautiful rural community and need to set an example. We bring tens of thousands of visitors to our village each year and it is a responsibility to ensure their impact on our community and habitat is minimised,” says Peter. We are proud to have The Bell at Sapperton join our Sustainability Champions.