Labour MP Ed Miliband has congratulated a South Yorkshire pub after it was shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising its contribution to the local community.
The Old George Inn in Sykehouse has been named as one of just five pubs in England shortlisted in the Community Support Hero category of PubAid’s 2026 Community Pub Hero Awards.
Miliband, the Labour MP for Doncaster North, nominated the pub for the award and said he was “very happy” to see its work receive national recognition.
Writing on social media, Miliband said he had been struck by the dedication of the owners after meeting them and hearing how they had sought to create a distinctive, community-focused business.
He said:
“I nominated the Old George Inn for this award because, having met the owners and heard their story, I was struck by their dedication to building something truly unique, and community-focused.
“The pub and café have become fantastic hubs for the community and the wider area, and I’m incredibly proud to see them shortlisted.”
The achievement is particularly significant for South Yorkshire. According to Miliband, the Old George is the only pub in the county to have been shortlisted in any category of this year’s awards.
“Only five pubs in England were shortlisted for the Community Support Hero award, and the Old George is the only pub in South Yorkshire to be shortlisted for any category,” he said.
“A huge achievement, and a real testament to the owners. Congratulations!”
The recognition comes as pubs across Britain continue to demonstrate a role that extends well beyond serving food and drink. In many villages and neighbourhoods, they provide meeting places, employment and venues for community activities at a time when other local facilities have disappeared.
For Labour, supporting pubs and other community businesses has also become part of the wider debate about protecting high streets and strengthening local economies.
The nomination highlights the contribution independent hospitality businesses can make to the places they serve, with Miliband praising the Old George Inn for helping create a community hub in Sykehouse.
The winners of the 2026 Community Pub Hero Awards will be selected from shortlisted pubs across the country, with the Old George now competing for national recognition in the Community Support Hero category.
