The Cross Keys pub in Arnold was recognised for the essential role it plays in the community by judges of the Publican Awards, a national awards ceremony that celebrates everything that’s great about the world of pubs and bars.

The pub, on Front Street in Arnold, is very much at the heart of the community it serves. An open-plan, stylish and comfortable venue, the Cross Keys is popular with locals and visitors alike. Described as a ‘little gem in Arnold’ by one happy customer, the staff are praised for being friendly and efficient. Barmaid, Karen Redfern, has been at the pub for 27 years and her famous coffees are well known in the area!

A family-friendly, dog-friendly pub, General Manager of the Cross Keys, Justin Askew, goes out of his way to make sure both parents and children feel at home in the pub. He says: “We host lots of family fun days, with bouncy castles, face painting, outside discos and films to keep the kids amused. That way the parents can relax, safe in the knowledge that their little ones are being looked after and having fun.”

The Cross Keys also organises a lot of fundraising events for local and national charities, including Wish Upon A Star, Mind and Parkinsons UK. Karen also makes beautiful homemade gift baskets which she raffles in the pub to raise funds.

Last year the pub’s community spirit really came to the fore, when local resident and regular customer, Lou Parr, fell down a flight of stairs at home one night and broke her neck. Lou, who worked as a care home worker at Connect House in Nottingham, was known as a local hero after she saved an elderly couple from perishing in a fire. After her accident, staff at the Cross Keys organised a superhero themed fun day to raise funds for Lou, to help her while she was off work recovering.

Lou was blown away by the support. She said: “I was overwhelmed, there were so many people in the pub. You don’t realise the support is there until something happens to you. So many people came together to help, everyone was dressed up and the kids loved it!”

Justin said: “The community really came together for Lou and it was great to see. She really is a superhero and we wanted to get local families to come together and support her after all she has done for people in the area.” 

Pop in to the Cross Keys for a warm welcome from Justin, Karen and the team!

 

Cross Keys, 74 Front Street, Arnold, NG5 7EJ

http://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/crosskeys-arnold