A West Somerset MP has put forward three pubs for a national award recognising their work in the community.
Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has nominated them for the Community Pub Hero Awards 2026, which celebrate pubs making a positive impact beyond serving food and drink.
The awards are organised by PubAid in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group.
The Carew Arms in Crowcombe is in the running for the UK Community Sustainability Hero award; the Bittescombe Inn in Upton has been nominated for Community Fundraising Hero, England; and the Butcher’s Arms in Carhampton is up for Community Support Hero, England.
Ms Gilmour said: "I am very pleased to nominate some of the finest pubs in my constituency.
"Pubs have always been at the centre of rural communities, and are so much more than somewhere to eat and drink; they are a meeting place, a champion for local producers, and a gateway to the countryside.
"Despite the challenges they have faced in recent years, the Carew Arms, the Bittescombe Inn and the Butcher’s Arms have never stopped giving back, using their businesses as a force for good to bring people together.
"That makes this recognition thoroughly well deserved, and I wish them all the very best of luck."
Each of the pubs has been recognised for its unique contribution to the community.
The Carew Arms works closely with the neighbouring Crowcombe Estate, sourcing lamb, venison, pork, and beef from an estate that manages more than 2,100 acres, which includes 700 acres of ancient woodland.
The pub brews its own ale in partnership with Black Bear Brewery in Wiveliscombe.
Spent grain from the brewing process is returned to the Crowcombe Estate to feed its woodland pigs, keeping the cycle within a few miles.
Grace Nuttall, business development manager at Black Bear, said: "We are very appreciative to Rachel for putting us forward.
"It's a lovely surprise and a real honour.
"At The Carew Arms, we've always believed a village pub should support its surrounding community.
"Whether that's serving local produce, working with local farmers or encouraging people to enjoy the beautiful countryside we are lucky enough to call home.
"We're proud to play a part across this area, and it's a terrific feeling to have that recognised.
"Thank you, Rachel."
The Bittescombe Inn was nominated for its fundraising efforts, particularly a curry night held in January 2026 to support the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Organised by local cooks Philip Ghazala and Jane Walter, the event raised £860 for the charity.
The Butcher’s Arms in Carhampton has been praised for transforming into a true village hub since reopening.
It now includes a shop, reading room, and library, and hosts a wide range of community groups, from beekeepers and bellringers to the WI and the local heritage group.
The pub also runs a popular weekly quiz and monthly bingo afternoons for elderly residents with no way to reach neighbouring towns.
Nick Moores, owner of the Butcher’s Arms, said: "Our pub and village hub has really brought the community together.
"The shop has proved to be an enormous success, and as a family, we are so grateful for all the support we've received."
If any of the pubs are shortlisted, they will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the House of Commons on Tuesday, September 8, alongside Ms Gilmour.
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