THIS year has been a challenge for pubs and inns nationwide. Many say only the devoted support of their communities has helped them survive - and now we are shining a light on some of them, after receiving nominations for Pub of the Week from our readers.

The Brewery Inn, nestled in the small village of Seend Cleeve, between Melksham and Devizes, is popular with boating enthusiasts, walkers and cyclists because it’s so near to the Kennet and Avon Canal, as well as its local clientele.

Landlady Sarah Bradford-Scoble, who only took on the role in February, says the community has been “amazing” throughout this difficult year.

Mrs Bradford-Scoble, who has worked at the Brewery Inn for five years, helped oversee the inn’s dramatic transformation throughout the last few months.

A takeaway service was set up during lockdown, and local people came together to use the closure as a chance to help revamp some ailing parts of the building and its outdoor area.

She said: “I only started as landlady in February, fortunately with the support from the village.

“It has been a rollercoaster! The inn is so loved in the village and we get people from all walks of life coming through the door, from farmers to barristers.

“Before Covid, we were able to host lots of events and bring people from across the village together. Christmas is typically my favourite time at the inn, it’s a really great atmosphere.”

While the pandemic has put large events in the near future on hold, Mrs Bradford-Scoble is positive for the future. She said: “We’re a very traditional pub, and I think sometimes people like the simplicity of that.

“We were so well supported by the locals when we had to close this year.

“It has been a strange year. But we have to be positive and get through all this together and come out the other side stronger and, hopefully, get back to many of the things that people love about the inn.”

The pub received four nominations for the Pub of the Week accolade.

Tessa Doe said it is “at the heart of the community.” She wrote: “Since reopening, the pub has welcomed back the regulars and they have been delighted to return to their spiritual home at the Brewery.”

Katie Morgan wrote: “All the regulars made us very welcome when we moved to the area four years ago and we have had such fun there, attended some great events and had some smashing meals.

“Over lockdown, Sarah and the team worked very hard to keep everything going with takeaways which was really great for the local community.”

Cubbs wrote that the Brewery Inn is an “important part of village history and a wonderful pub.”

Meanwhile Jamie wrote: “I would also like to nominate the Brewery. If it was in the north, Elbow would be writing songs about its community spirit and essential place in the centre of the community.”

To see your local featured, go to www.gazetteandherald.co.uk and search Nominate your favourite to find the link to the online nomination form.