Harry Seccombe and Vivien Hoffman, owners of Chaplins & The Cellar Bar.
Published: February 12, 2024 | Updated: 13th February 2024
Two good causes are toasting the success of a Boscombe pub after it was shortlisted in the Community Hero category of the Great British Pub Awards.
Arts charity Vita Nova and development trust Recreate Dorset received a share of a £1,000 donation from Chaplins & The Cellar Bar.
All the shortlisted pubs were awarded funding by category sponsor Coca-Cola Europacific Partners to help them continue the community work that got them to the final.
Bar owner Harry Seccombe chose to divide the prize money between Vita Nova and Recreate Dorset.
Vita Nova is an arts charity located behind the pub, aiding locals in overcoming drug and alcohol addiction through theatre-based support.
Recreate Dorset is a community development trust which will use the money towards equipping a much-anticipated new community and arts centre in Boscombe.
Chaplins & The Cellar Bar won the Community Hero category at the Great British Pub Awards in 2015 and 2017, and was a finalist every year from 2013 to 2019.
In 2013, the bar was the driving force behind establishing the Boscombe Community Forum, a group championing local voices to address issues collaboratively with the council and police.
The forum launched a Neighbourhood Plan, successfully introducing 11 new planning policies in and around Boscombe.
Harry has chaired both organisations and still currently chairs the forum.
The pub also opens its doors as a free space for community members to pursue their interests, serving as a hub for local causes, a meeting place for literature and poetry enthusiasts and a rehearsal space for musicians.
Winner of the Best Entertainment Pub in 2019, the bar hosts a seven day a week programme of original music.
Harry and the team regularly organise all-day charity concerts raising money for good causes including the local foodbank.
Harry said: “Reaching the final once again means the world to us and everyone we serve.
“It’s a nice reminder that our efforts are making a positive impact on our local community.
“The prize money from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners will also enable us to provide a significant boost to two local causes close to our hearts that are making a real difference to people’s lives in Boscombe.”
Holly Firmin, Senior Community Partnerships Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said: “Pubs serve as vital hubs within communities nationwide and Chaplins & The Cellar Bar is a prime example of the incredible impact they can have.
“Congratulations to Harry and the entire team for the commendable impact they consistently make in their local area.”
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