‘Summer of Pub’ initiative will support charities, communities and hospitality

Summer of Pub, a Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) initiative, will give people the chance to support charities simply by visiting local pubs.

Pubs, bars and breweries across the UK have been asked by CAMRA to organise a range of events to celebrate the first summer without restrictions, across the dates of 2 May – 29 August, whether it be an open mic night, pub quiz or tap takeover.

These events will be captured by CAMRA on an interactive map, allowing beer lovers to seek out pubs, clubs and taprooms that are running events nearby. A wide range of marketing materials will also be freely available to those hoping to participate or spread the word.

CAMRA will be working closely with external partners to collate a calendar of celebrations throughout the summer season and has highlighted how the long bank holiday weekend (2-5 June) will be a key moment, with CAMRA collaborating with the organisers of HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations (2-5 June) to promote and celebrate The Big Jubilee Lunch and Thank You Day.

As part of the celebrations, CAMRA will also be supporting the Good Beer Co’s initiative to get the 3.5% ABV pale ale ‘Thank Brew’ – created by Fergus Fitzgerald from Adnams – into independent pubs and breweries around the country. Thank Brew is the official beer for the Jubilee Weekend and all profits from the beer’s sales will support three different causes – the Eden projects communities which runs The Big Lunch, Together Coalition which runs Thank You Day and Reset Communities and Refugees, a charity supporting Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK to live with families in communities across Britain under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. Beer-lovers will be able to find out who’s stocking Thank Brew on tap and where to celebrate via a map on the website.

Speaking to db CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “There’s something really special about summertime here in the UK. Once the sun comes out you really start to see friends, families, and colleagues re-connect – whether it’s in a country pub garden or a city-centre bar with revellers spilling out onto the streets. I think we all realise just how valuable these connections are following two years of lockdowns and restrictions. That’s why CAMRA is calling on people to join us in celebrating a Summer of Pub, a real celebration of communities up and down the country. It’s incredibly easy to take part, all you have to do is head down to your local.”

Antona explained: “This year is made all the more special because CAMRA has brought two fantastic partners on board. ‘Ask Clive’ has organised Pub Pride events on the 27 May, aimed at supporting and promoting the LGBTQ+ communities within each pub’s local area. To find a pub taking part simply visit our Summer of Pub map and get involved in the festivities. All proceeds from Thank Brew will go to charitable organisations, so let’s all raise a glass to kindness, community, and each other over the long bank holiday, and continue those celebrations all summer long.”

James Grugeon, The Good Beer co-founder, organisers of the ‘Thank Brew’ campaign for Thank You Day, The Big Jubilee Lunch and Reset Refugees and Communities said: “With 100% of profits going to three fantastic causes supporting people doing good in their neighbourhoods, we hope to sign up thousands of pubs across Britain to serve this limited-edition celebratory brew.”

The partnership ‘Ask for Clive’ means that CAMRA will be integral in helping to promote Pub Pride on 27 May – a night for venues to celebrate their local LGBTQ+ community and welcome Pride month in their hometown.

Danny Clare, co-founder and trustee of Ask for Clive said: “We’re delighted to be running Pub Pride once again this year, which is an opportunity for pubs to open their doors to the LGBTQ+ community and let them know they are welcome. It is fantastic to see CAMRA’s support for the event this year and their Summer of Pub map now features all participating Pub Pride venues, so make sure to check back to the page to find some fantastic Pub Pride events taking place on 27 May.”

Antona concluded: “The concept behind a Summer of Pub is really quite simple – it’s that the easiest way to support pubs is to use them. Pubs have been through a horrendous two years of lockdowns and restrictions and need help to get back on their feet. At the end of the day, you don’t need to be a campaigner to make a difference – let’s just celebrate a return to normal this summer by raising a glass to the trade.”