12 July 2021 – The team from Stonegate Group, has launched a book today (Monday 12 July) to raise money for the Licensed Trade Charity. Named Short Stories from down the Pub, the book celebrates all the amazing people and stories from pubs across the country and highlights the role that they play in their communities.

Containing over 100 stories, contributed by both customers and employees, Short Stories from down the Pub began as part of an initiative by Stonegate to keep teams engaged over lockdown. The pandemic has taken its toll on so many aspects of daily life, especially on mental wellbeing. To keep morale up, an employee-led team encouraged their colleagues to share stories from the pub – funny moments, great memories and heart-warming recollections were in abundance. The stories soon came flooding in and the book took six months to complete.

Simon Longbottom, CEO of Stonegate Group, said, “After such an extraordinary year, I could not be more proud of what the team at Stonegate has accomplished. Having overcome countless challenges and being more adaptable and flexible than ever, the stories in this book reminds us all of the important role our pubs, clubs and venues play in our communities.

“We are now looking forward to 19th July, welcoming our customers back in to our pubs, bars and clubs, and enjoying the rest of the summer.”

Commenting on the book launch, Jim Brewster, CEO of the Licensed Trade Charity, added; “A very big thank you to Stonegate. We’ve all heard great stories from the down the pub, so we’re delighted that Stonegate has compiled some of the best together in this book and generously donated the proceeds to the Licensed Trade Charity. The money generated will enable us to support the very licensed trade people who make and serve the drinks that we enjoy when we visit the pub and run the venues where our stories are made and shared.”

All profits from the book will go to the Licensed Trade Charity, an organisation that provides crucial help, support and advice for licensed drinks trade people. At £9.99, Short Stories from down the Pub will be available in print and digitally from 12thJuly through Amazon at https://amzn.to/3wkzJ2K.