Brakspear pubs at the heart of their communities

February 13, 2025

Pubs have been at the heart of their communities for centuries, offering a unique space where locals can meet to enjoy great food, drink and company. A handful of Brakspear business owners running thriving community pubs share the secrets to their success.

The Dog & Duck, Wokingham

A packed events programme keeps local customers engaged, as business owner Victoria Tunstead explains: “Regular events like our weekly Quiz and monthly Drag Queen Bingo and Karaoke nights are great as customers can rely on them, but we also add new things like our recent ‘paint your pup in a Christmas jumper’ evening.  We also support small charities and our customers like to see their money making a difference locally.”

Drag Queen Bingo at The Dog & Duck

The Barleycorn Inn, Collingbourne Kingston

Since Tom Robinson became the business owner 2023, this pub has become a community hub with a raft of events including live music and fundraisers, most notably a DDay-80 celebration last June that raised over £12,000 to the national event’s official charities. Tom says:

“I’m the custodian of the pub, it really belongs to the local people who use it. So it’s really important to cater to their needs and plan events around them.”

D-Day 80 celebrations at The Barleycorn

Catherine Wheel, Goring on Thames

Business owners at The Catherine Wheel, Vanessa Cooke & Katrena Derricourt-Gibson are always looking for ways to support local residents and charities, which includes offering employment to local people who might need a ‘leg up’. Chef Jamie Ambler recently celebrated eight years at the pub. Katrena says: “Jamie has never let his cerebral palsy get in the way of his ambitions. Not only is he a star in the kitchen, he also walks to Reading FC away matches to raise money for men’s health charities. He is a genuine inspiration to all of us!”

Jolly Millers, Bexleyheath

Peter & Esther became the business owners in 2022 and have put the pub back at the centre of the community with a warm welcome and regular entertainment. Peter says: “The pub was very male-oriented, but we’ve broadened it by starting new activities like a Pub Quiz, Drag Queen Bingo and a Book Club that bring in more women.

We also support charities, including the Meningitis Foundation, after the sad death of a local resident; that connection encourages the community to get behind the fundraising.”