We thrive on supporting our customers and locality, and since our opening we have developed some incredible community links. For example, our team took part in charity fundraising through the Three Peaks Challenge in 2024 which raised money to help upkeep the Jade’s Retreat Caravan which provides a respite space, and in 2022 the team did a sky dive to raise funds for cancer charity Birstall BAGs. BBC Radio Leicester’s ‘Sing Christmas’ carol singing live stream was a customer favourite event , so when Radio Leicester stopped broadcasting this, we have continued nevertheless and with the help of connections at St. James’ church we put on a carol service, with readings and a live band accompanying the carol singing. Mulled wine and mince pies are also on offer, really keeping tradition alive! Although we aim to serve the community, national charities MacMillan and Save the Children are supported through our business. The MacMillan coffee morning is a great success to which we add a Great Birstall Bake Off competition for all of our local and talented bakers. We also take part it in the Christmas Jumper day for Save the Children and staff wholeheartedly join in! We have discount available for local business and charity- the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, the local IBIS budget hotel guests as well as blue light card holders, who can all receive discounted food in our pub.

On a larger scale, we support two local litter picking groups, the North Leicestershire Litter Wombles are on foot litter-picking around Watermead Country park and we have rewarded their efforts with refreshments afterwards multiple times. And on the lakes that surround us, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre run a group of volunteers who quite literally take to the river in canoes armed with grabbers and bags to clear away waste, we have a fabulous long-standing relationship with the LOPC and always welcome any of their team into the pub!

Our pub also serves as a wonderful host for many community groups to have meal. Local groups such as the Wild Women Outdoor Club, the Methodist Church’s Thursday Group and various local walking groups, which demonstrates how our pub is so much more than just food and drink, and serves to be at the centre of the community in Birstall and beyond. At present we are a sponsor of Birstall Rugby Club and we also host and support three darts teams (with some staff players) who will be taking part in a Charity darts marathon later this year to raise funds for MacMillan.

As well as raising money, our Duck Race gets local schools and youth organisations involved, for example the children of the local primary schools have the opportunity to compete in a colouring competition, and the schools even get a free visit from Webster the Duck! Organisations such as the Cadets also get involved helping with logistics on the day, as well as Paddle Plus who are on the river to help the actual race of ducks flow smoothly with their canoeing skills . More recently, we also have had help from Leicester College Event Management students who supported with the running of the day, whilst gaining some invaluable work experience. Involving our local young people not only helps with us raising funds for that years elected beneficiary, but also increases their understanding of the importance of the local community and charities.