Ripon pub owners say they are 'proud to serve our local community' after incredible 12 months

Sara and Kelly Hirst, operators of the Black Swan in Ripon, are celebrating after being named winners of the ‘Best Community Pub Operator’ category at Craft Union Pub Company’s annual Operator Awards.

The award is in recognition of pub landlords who have demonstrated a fantastic commitment to supporting and bringing their local community together.

Under Sara and Kelly Hirst's guidance, The Black Swan has become a true community hub with a a packed weekly events schedule and endless support to the local community.

From founding Ripon Pride to creating a walking group that has featured on ITV's Lorraine, they have both been relentless in supporting their community.

The pub operators also started a fundraiser which raised more than £48,000 to support a local teenage girl whose family passed away in a tragic car crash, as well as supporting the local primary school’s breakfast club.

“We’re over the moon to receive this award,” said Sara and Kelly.

"The Black Swan and the Ripon community has always been our passion, and to see our hard work recognised at this level is amazing.

“We’re proud to serve our local community, and it’s so rewarding to know our hard work over the last year has made a huge difference for our customers, team, and community and we can’t wait to keep on supporting our local area for years to come.”

Judges praised Sara and Kelly for taking the Black Swan, which was already an established local venue, to a new level of popularity in the past 12 months.

Their creativity and can-do spirit mean they never miss a chance to support the community, even creating a brilliant “floating pub” parade float in under a week to keep a cherished local tradition going.

The Black Swan boasts an events calendar designed to connect people of all ages, housing the local darts and dominoes teams, running music nights with live bands and DJs, poker nights, kids’ discos, Halloween parties and more.