Fareham pub wins community award for second year on the trot

Martin Munns and his wife Diane at The Fareham pub

Now The Fareham pub has been honoured for being one of the most caring locals in the south.

The popular Trinity Street venue has picked up the 2016 Enterprise Inns Community Pub of the Year Award for the South of England.

It’s the second year on the trot the pub has picked up the prize, which celebrates publicans and the contributions they make to their local areas.

And the venue intends to use the £3,000 it’s been given for winning the title to help two people who want to set up their own business.

It’s hoped they in turn will then give to others in need down the line.

In the past five years, the pub has raised close to £75,000 for worthy causes.

The pub recently collected up £18,487 to give to others – including apprentice Jamie Kemp who got £400 towards some new equipment.

Other organisations that have benefited thanks to The Fareham over the years include the Rainbow Centre, Guide Dogs, Holy Trinity Church and the Salvation Army.

The pub bought its own defibrillator to help save lives.

Martin Munns, who runs The Fareham with his wife Diane, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted with this award. It’s a big thing to win it once, let alone twice.

Asked what contributes to the pub’s success, Martin said: ‘We don’t have any trouble in the pub, we are all up doing charity work. It’s also the atmosphere we create.

‘We are a firm believer that pubs are family areas and a community.

‘Pubs are getting a bad name and shut down all the time.

‘And we believe if we can bring the community into a pub, it becomes a hub.

‘If we have a live band on, and someone has a child and they want to stay and listen, we don’t tell them to leave.

‘We don’t kick kids out at a certain time.

‘They are safe in here and everyone enjoys themselves.

‘People can come in for a drink and they don’t have to speak if they don’t want to, but then we’re here if they want a chat too.

‘It’s just one of those nice pubs.’

Tom Davies, chairman of Fareham East Conservatives, said the accolade is well deserved.

He said: ‘A big well done to Martin and Diane – they do so much for the community and I’m so pleased for them to continue to get the recognition they deserve.

‘There aren’t many Good Samaritans left in the world these days, but Martin and Diane Munns definitely are.’