The best pubs have always been about more than great food and drink. They are places where friendships are formed, milestones are celebrated and communities come together. At The Nightingale in Bicester, that belief sits at the heart of everything the team does.
This summer, the pub has become a shining example of Wells & Co.’s Big Community Switch On initiative, demonstrating the positive role a local pub can play when it works hand in hand with the people around it.
Rather than deciding where to focus their efforts themselves, the team at The Nightingale invited local people to help shape their community programme. Customers selected three charities that matter to them personally: Nai’s House, The Hummingbird and Flag DV.
Since partnering with the charities, The Nightingale has hosted a wide range of fundraising events and community activities, while also supporting additional local groups and causes when opportunities arise.
For General Manager Kieran, that approach reflects what a community pub should be.
“The Nightingale has always been a pub for local people,” he said. “Supporting charities, local groups and the wider community isn’t something we do occasionally. It’s a big part of who we are. We want people to know that if something matters to our community, it matters to us too.”
The team’s commitment will be on full display over the August Bank Holiday weekend, when the pub hosts five days of activities designed to raise money, bring people together and create memorable experiences for customers.
Events include a packed community quiz night, a performance from local favourites The Melatonin, an Ibiza-themed DJ session in the pub garden, the ever-popular Rock and Roll Bingo and a community dog show supported by local businesses. Every day offers customers a different reason to visit, enjoy themselves and support worthy causes at the same time.
Leading from the front
At the centre of the weekend is a challenge that perfectly captures the spirit of the pub. On the Saturday, Kieran will cycle 48 miles on a tandem bike from our home in Brewpoint (Bedford) back to The Nightingale.
Despite having little cycling experience, he has agreed to take on the challenge alongside a regular customer who is an experienced cyclist, with fundraising at the heart of the journey.
“I’m definitely not a cyclist, so it will be a challenge,” said Kieran. “But that’s part of the fun. The support we’ve had from customers, local businesses and our wider community has been incredible, and I’m really looking forward to taking it on and hopefully arriving back at the pub in time to join the Ibiza celebrations.”
That support extends far beyond the pub’s customers. Local businesses have stepped forward to sponsor categories in the dog show, while suppliers including the event photographer and DJ have volunteered their services free of charge to help maximise the fundraising impact.
For Kieran, it highlights the unique role that pubs can play within their communities.
“A great local pub is one of the few places where people from all walks of life come together. When you build trust over time and consistently show up for your community, people want to support what you’re doing. That’s when really special things can happen.”
Having worked in pubs and bars around the world, Kieran always dreamed of running a true local. At The Nightingale, he and his team are proving that pubs remain one of the most powerful ways to connect people, support local causes and strengthen the communities they serve.
To find out more about The Nightingale, visit their website: https://thenightingalebicester.co.uk/
