The Dolphin, award-winning pub

DATE

May 31, 2024

The Dolphin recently picked up Greene King’s Community Pub of the Year for its excellent range of events and community initiatives, landlady Emma Cox shares her delight

To me the pub trade isn’t just about selling alcohol it’s about being an all-inclusive base where everyone can come together. For celebration, commiserations, for support through the high times and the low times.

I’ve been at The Dolphin working since I was 13 as a cleaner to start off with and my parents became managers when I was 16 so I’ve watched the trade change over the years.

I love Wallingford and we are in a position to give back some of the support we have been shown over the years. When lockdown happened I noticed there was so much more we could do. So many customer didn’t return through fear of covid that we started doing food parcels, prescription runs, phone calls for company, which lead to us getting involved in the different community centres.

The reason I do it is simple. If the shoe was on the other foot or one of my family or friends are in need I’d really hope somebody would be there to help – one of my mottos is ‘it’s nice to be nice!”

I love the kids eat free, my daughter Annie is six. She struggled socially for a long time after lockdown. I think social skills build such a great confidence in our children and that’s so important.

Winning the award is probably one of my greatest career achievements so far! But, it’s not just me. There’s a whole team of amazing people that work at The Dolly who go above and beyond everyday. And we couldn’t do what we do without each other.

Share

RELATED STORIES

MORE STORIES

thumbnail

Annie Sloan joins Sobell House and Oxford Wood Recycling for festive fundraiser

Annie Sloan is teaming up with Sobell House Hospice Charity and Oxford Wood Recycling for a festive team-building challenge in Abingdon.

READ MORE
thumbnail

Artistic Alchemy brings four artists’ unique talents to Henley exhibition

Four local artists and craftspeople are bringing their individual talents together for Artistic Alchemy, a one-off exhibition.

READ MORE
thumbnail

Weybridge salon Glitterati celebrates award win as it eyes further success

Owner Enzo shares the story behind the salon’s success and explains why its loyal local customers mean so much.

thumbnail

Hazlemere artist Agnieszka Cereda finds inspiration in life’s little things

Discover her artistic journey and forthcoming solo exhibition at Penn Street Gallery.

thumbnail

Sir Michael Morpurgo on 50 years of farms for city children, storytelling and hope

Sir Michael Morpurgo celebrates 50 years of Farms for City Children as he talks to Liz Nicholls about the power of nature, animals and storytelling.