Five community pubs across the UK have been awarded £5,000 bar tabs as part of The Telegraph’s Save Our Pubs campaign, recognising the vital role pubs continue to play in towns and villages across the country.

The winners were selected from hundreds of public nominations submitted by customers who were invited to explain, in 250 words or fewer, why their local pub deserved to be celebrated. The initiative forms part of The Telegraph’s wider campaign supporting the UK pub sector at a time when operators continue to face rising costs, tax pressures and ongoing economic challenges.

The winning pubs are:

• The White Horse Inn, Stourpaine, Dorset
• Five Bells, Rattlesden, Bury St Edmunds
• The Three Kings Inn, Hanley Castle, Worcestershire
• Brown and Blacks, Scone, Perthshire
• The Blacksmiths Arms, Lastingham, North Yorkshire

Each venue will host celebrations on National Pub Day on Saturday 16 May, with the £5,000 drinks tab available for customers to enjoy.

William Sitwell, restaurant critic at The Telegraph and one of the campaign judges, said the competition highlighted the enduring importance of pubs as social and cultural institutions.

“Pubs are the centre of communities and a cornerstone of culture and as social hubs, employers and places of fun we cannot underestimate their importance,” he said. “The winners of Save Our Pubs all share the nuggets of what makes a great pub: they are independent businesses, they serve great beer, they act as hubs of comfort and welcome and constantly innovate to find ways of attracting business.”

The five winning venues each reflect different aspects of the modern pub sector, from longstanding family ownership to community-led initiatives and diversification strategies.

The White Horse Inn in Dorset, run by Chris and Ali Sargent, was praised for its traditional approach and loyal customer base. The pub received multiple nominations from customers describing it as a cornerstone of village life.

In Suffolk, the Five Bells in Rattlesden was recognised for its role as a community hub. Open seven days a week, the pub hosts charity events, beer festivals, seasonal celebrations and even visiting local services for residents.

The Three Kings Inn in Hanley Castle, Worcestershire, remains in the same family ownership since 1911. Housed in a 15th-century building, the pub was recognised for preserving the atmosphere and character of a traditional English local while continuing to support village events and fundraising initiatives.

Brown and Blacks in Perthshire was celebrated for its community focus and resilience. Owner Katie Long transformed the former derelict building through significant investment and now hosts a range of events and activities, from language lessons to afternoon teas and local sports sponsorships.

Meanwhile, The Blacksmiths Arms in North Yorkshire was recognised for its role supporting rural communities. Owner and head chef Ali Moran described the pub as a place where people can gather, connect and combat the isolation often experienced in remote areas.

The Telegraph’s campaign comes amid continued concern about pub closures across the UK, with operators facing rising labour costs, increased business rates and wider financial pressures.

National Pub Day takes place on Saturday 16 May, with the winning pubs expected to host events and celebrations throughout the day.