A Kenilworth gastro pub has continued its tireless support of local charities and community groups this lockdown, raising nearly £6,000 across a number of weekends.

The Almanack, at Abbey End, has hosted fortnightly coffee mornings and food fundraisers for residents out enjoying their daily allotted exercise.

The first weekend of fundraising, at the beginning of February, saw £1,800 raised for the Covid-19 Kenilworth Support Group through a coffee morning and a takeaway chicken night.

Such was the success of the first weekend, the Almanack continued to host similar events, with more coffee mornings, as well as fish and chip nights and pizza takeaways serving socially-distanced customers who had been out walking in Abbey Fields.

The second February instalment was in aid of the Kenilworth Centre, with the Waverley Day Centre then being supported, followed by a second fundraiser for the Covid-19 support group.

In total, £5,922.45 has been raised by the pub, and the generosity of Kenilworth locals.

Speaking to Kenilworth Nub News, Centre Manager at the Kenilworth Centre Holly Hewitt said: "The Almanack have been true community champions.

"Their generosity and giving, along with the customers who donated have helped us launch two projects helping those struggling with isolation over the last year.

"Firstly, our youth wellbeing hub, and secondly a new outdoor playgroup for preschoolers and parents who have felt really cut off from friends and support.

"We are so grateful and they really have made such a difference."

The Almanack, which has been closed throughout the third national lockdown, is looking forward to reopening on April 12 for outdoor service. However, as the pub geared up for opening its doors once again, their attention was focused on providing help to these local causes.

Manager at The Almanack Kieran Vick said: "The Almanack is part of Peach Pub Company; giving back to the community and supporting local charities is what we do.

"It's clear to see the fantastic work the Covid-19 support group is doing, if we can help them by doing what we do best, we can. We have donated food to them when we have closed down the pub before so they have always been a charity close to us.

"It was fantastic the level of support we had, particularly because every time it seemed that the world was against us as the weather was always horrible!"

Kieran also thanked all of his team who gave their time to support the fundraiser, including Head Chef Hayley who "was the mastermind behind all of the great food."

Anne Cross of Waverley Day Centre said: "the donation will be put towards general running costs to get the centre open once more and for publicity to attract new clients to the services.

"It was a great team effort from the Almanack and much appreciated by all of us who benefited from their generosity."

Pauline Hayward of the Covid-19 Support Kenilworth Group added: "We simply can't believe the generosity and kindness of the Almanack to our charity this last few months - when it has been such a tough time for hospitality.

"Thank you to their team and to everyone in Kenilworth who supported us, by ordering their delicious take outs.

"We will be using the money they raised for our Compassionate Kenilworth project to host and help activities get back up and running when it's safe.

"Helping the vulnerable, many of whom have been largely housebound and lonely these last 12 months, to get back out and connect with people, is critical to their well-being and that of our broader community."

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