Drinkers at a Cornish pub were able to enjoy ale for charity recently, as The Bowgie Inn celebrated Cask Ale Week. With a number of Cornish ales offered at a discounted price, the Crantock-based pub then donated the remaining amount to chosen charity, Cornwall Hospice Care.
“COVID-19 has had a catastrophic impact on our industry and now more than ever, it’s important to support your local pubs to help keep them alive, open and at the heart of our communities” commented Sally Pickles, Owner of The Bowgie Inn. “Our customers came out in force to help us mark Cask Ale Week this year, supporting the real ale sector, Cornish breweries and Cornwall Hospice Care in the process. Drinking ale for charity… it doesn’t get any better than that!?”
Held between the 24th September – 4th October and spearheaded by Cask Marque, Cask Ale Week is about coming together to encourage everyone to enjoy traditional real ale.
“Throughout the course of the week, we served a selection of real ales from Cornish breweries at a 25% off discounted price making them £3.60 per pint instead of £4.80. We then donated that £1.20 per every pint sold to our chosen charity – Cornwall Hospice Care. We have counted up the amount raised and are delighted to announce a total of £885.25!”
Sally commented on how many local and visiting customers enjoyed Cask Ale Week, especially important during challenging times when “people need something to look forward to.”
“Despite being in a pandemic and having to deal with new challenges and hurdles on a daily basis, we continue to find new ways to keep people smiling. It’s so important right now” continued Sally. “We have completely changed the way we operate in order to ensure the health and safety of our team and customers, and although the Bowgie experience is different, it’s just as special.”
The Bowgie’s Cask Ale Week ales included Mr Fuggles Green Hop from Atlantic Brewery, Harlequins from St Austell Brewery, Sea Fury by Sharps and Lushingtons from Skinners Brewery.
“Every year, we try to mark the occasion to help shine a light on the real ale sector, alongside other pubs and breweries across the UK. This year, we’re really pleased that we could continue to get involved, and to have added the charity element to support a very worthwhile cause at a time when the third-sector need more help than ever.”
Cornwall Hospice Care provides specialist care for people with terminal illnesses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Mount Edgecumbe Hospice in St Austell, St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle, and in Cornwall’s hospitals, care homes and in the community.
As recent Great British Pub Award winners, The Bowgie also recently gifted the £1,000 charity grant from Coca-Cola to Cornwall Hospice Care.
“We are overwhelmed with the success that Sally and her team at The Bowgie Inn achieved. Not only have they done something truly amazing, but they have given us all a cause for celebration when things have been so challenging. What that have raised will make a huge difference to families facing a terminal illness across our county, and particularly important now as Cornwall Hospice Care looks to keep beds open. Thank you, and congratulations on your Great British Pub Award win, this is thoroughly deserved” commented Oliver Hoare, Head of Fundraising at Cornwall Hospice Care.
“Without a doubt, this year has been – and continues to be – very difficult to navigate, but in true British style, we’re keeping calm and carrying on to make sure The Bowgie can stay at the heart of our community. We thank everyone who visited us to support Cask Ale Week and helped us to raise money for our chosen charity” added Sally.
Press release from Red Flame Communications on behalf of Cask Ale Week
For more information, contact laura@redflamecommunications.co.uk