A pub between Abergavenny and Monmouth has received a community award for their work in starting a programme to bring their community closer.

The Halfway, in Tal-y-coed, has grown from a traditional rural pub into the beating heart of the village through the creation of ‘Pubtopia’ CIC, a not-for-profit organisation with the hope of ensuring people in their rural community can thrive together.

Their Pubtopia CIC is building a programme of learning, training and connection - including wellbeing courses aimed at isolated residents, Dementia-friendly sessions, skills workshops for farmers, CPR and defibrillator training, arts and crafts classes and Jazz nights. Now, the couple has been recognised with a Community Support Hero Award at this year’s PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards.

The owners, Rhiannon and Jason, were also hosted by Catherine Fookes MP at the Houses of Parliament Recently, where they were presented the award recognising their contribution to the trade and their community.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive the Community Support Hero Award. When we took on The Halfway, we wanted it to be much more than somewhere to have a drink – we wanted to create a place where people feel welcome, connected and supported,” Rhiannon said.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far with the pub and Pubtopia CIC, but there’s still lots more we want to do. This award really belongs to our customers, volunteers and everyone who has supported us and helped turn our little rural pub into such a special community hub.”

“The Community Pub Hero Awards celebrate pubs across the UK that go above and beyond to support their communities through fundraising, sport, sustainability and community initiatives.”

There is also a village shop on the premises, stocking produce from local butchers, dairy farmers, bakers, chocolatiers, beekeepers and independent makers.