Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 7 April 2023

SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE’S Member of Parliament, Alberto Costa, invited and welcomed an award-nominated landlord of a Swinford based pub on down to Parliament.

The MP welcomed Brian Priest, the landlord of The Chequers Inn in Swinford, to Parliament after successfully beating 200 other entrants to make it to the finals of the Community Pub Hero Awards.

The community-focused Chequers Inn have helped support their local community and charities in a number of ways, such as holding parties, raffles, and games nights and quiz nights, amongst other activities.

They even play home to fundraising events including a charity dog show, and annual ‘Gig in the Garden’.

And, the donation tins on the bar have been described as a ‘long-term success story’, as they have averaged around £2,000 per year for the last 36 years, meaning they have raised around £72,000 in local donations since 1987.

It was initially nominated in the ‘Charity Fundraising Pub Hero’ category, however this was won by The Beeswing pub in Northallerton, Yorkshire.

Commenting on landlord Brian’s visit to Parliament, Alberto Costa MP, described it as a ‘real pleasure’. He said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Brian from The Chequers in Swinford to Parliament last week for the national finals of the Community Pub Hero Awards.

“The Chequers is a firm favourite for many constituents and visitors to the area, and its no surprise really with the fantastic array of local ales they have on offer, the picturesque setting and of course the warm welcome you receive from Brian and his team.

He concluded: “The Chequers have been doing some incredible charity work over the years, and I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised and that they are getting the plaudits they so richly deserve”.