The Famous Virgins & Castle on the old High Street in Kenilworth has won the Heart of the Community Award from the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), supported by Sky, for all of the great work they did for the community during the first lockdown period.

The 16th century pub, that is part of the Everards Brewery and owned by hospitality group Caviar & Chips, is known for being active in it's community and supports a number of projects and initiatives in Kenilworth and Warwickshire.

The BII Heart of the Community Award was designed in recognition of the people who have gone above and beyond for their communities; coming together and looking out for each other, no matter what they needed themselves.

The BII commented in their announcement to the team "We think you [Virgins & Castle] are pretty amazing and deserve recognition for all you have done for your local community.

"Pubs have always been places for people to come together, but the extra effort you have gone to this year to look after your customers, locals and staff has been wonderful to see."

The team at the Virgins & Castle only took over the pub in March this year and had to close for the first lockdown one week after their opening night. In spite of this set back the Virgins & Castle got to work and quickly reached the 'heart of their community' - as their latest award suggests!

Andy Lock, General Manager at the Virgins & Castle explained "It goes without saying that we're an old, traditional pub serving delicious food, great drinks and all with fantastic service, but we believe there's more to a great pub than that.

"The Famous Virgins & Castle has been here since 1563 and certainly been through some tough times over the last 450 years…not just the last six months!

"When we took over the pub, we wanted to be a place for the community and everyone that visits us in Kenilworth. We intend the pub to be here for another 450 years, so we're just custodians, but want to do all we can to play an active role in our town.

"We've been lucky to be involved with some fantastic partners along the way. Providing free meals for the COVID-19 Kenilworth Support Group. Making free school pack lunches for children during half-term as part of the Marcus Rashford End Child Poverty Campaign.

"Supporting our local schools and colleges with apprenticeships and career advise. Reducing single-use plastic with Plastic Free Kenilworth. Organising Wellbeing Walks with the mental health charity Mind and supporting international charities like WaterAid with donations collected for our complimentary water."

During the second national lockdown, pubs, cafes and restaurants across the country have had to close their doors again from Thursday, November 5 and the Virgins & Castle are hopeful that they'll be able to open again on Thursday December 3 with their new festive menu.

To book your table for December and to find out more about what the team are doing at the Virgins & Castle visit their website.