WITTON CHIMES OPERATOR ADAM RECOGNISED FOR COVID LOCKDOWN EFFORTS

A WITTON Street operator has been recognised for his tireless efforts in supporting the community during the pandemic.

Adam Prestage, who runs Craft Union pub the Witton Chimes, has been awarded the British Institute of Innkeeping’s (BII) Heart of the Community Award.

The award recognises Adam’s hard work during the first lockdown from March to July, when he entertained his customers by streaming discos and live DJ sets via Facebook while also raising money for Tiny Steps, the Northwich charity which runs sensory and soft play sessions for children with additional needs.

His efforts raised more than £500 while keeping spirits high in the community, and Adam is one of just 22 national recipients to have been recognised in this year’s Heart of the Community Awards.

He said: “We’re so proud and honoured to have been awarded this accolade by the BII.

“It means a lot to be able to contribute to the reputation of Craft Union pubs as the centre of our communities too.

“We’ve always been about supporting our communities, and that didn’t change in the first lockdown, nor will it in the second.

“We’re obviously devastated to close our doors again, but we will continue to be a part of the lives of our customers virtually, and will come back stronger than ever in December. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back again.”

Frazer Grimbleby, operations director of Craft Union, added: “We are incredibly proud of the amazing work undertaken by Adam during lockdown, and to have had this achievement recognised by the BII through the Heart of the Community award is testament to just how dedicated he is to his community.

“At Craft Union, our ethos is centred around our communities and to see that reflected in the day-to-day actions of our operators throughout lockdown is truly heart-warming.”