Sheffield pub stars in major new Coca-Cola campaign
The Grenoside pub will receive a five-figure sum to support a local initiative of its choice
A popular Grenoside pub is among three South Yorkshire family-run businesses to feature in a major new Coca-Cola campaign celebrating the role local businesses play in their communities.
The Old Red Lion in Grenoside has been chosen as part of Coca-Cola Great Britain’s new Counter Cultures campaign, which shines a spotlight on independent businesses across the UK.
The campaign comes as new research commissioned by Coca-Cola found many young people are choosing to stay closer to home, with almost half of Gen Z (47 per cent) saying they are considering following in their family’s footsteps.
In Yorkshire, a third of people (33 per cent) surveyed said they have noticed more young people staying local rather than moving away, with many believing it benefits local businesses (53 per cent) and the economy.
The Old Red Lion has welcomed customers for generations from its historic building dating back to the 1700s.
The country pub is well known for its traditional home-cooked meals and is a popular stop for walkers exploring nearby Greno Woods.
Owner David Sargant said: “The Old Red Lion has always been more than just a pub to us. It’s where families come for a meal, mountain bikers stop after a ride, or old friends catch up over a drink.
“My wife and I run it together and what makes it special is that people feel comfortable here. It’s familiar, people know each other, and they know they will be welcomed. That’s what makes a local pub such an important part of a community.”
The campaign also features Ocean Fish Bar in Monk Bretton, run by Pindy Kaur and Bill Singh; Bennett’s Bites in Barnsley, owned by Chantelle and James Bennett; and Mark and Lewis Baker from Coca-Cola’s Wakefield factory.
The Wakefield site, which employs more than 600 people, sits at the heart of the campaign, with a film following Coca-Cola’s journey from the factory to the locations where it is served.
Each business taking part will receive a five-figure sum to support a local initiative or community cause of its choice.
Dusan Stojankic, Vice President and General Manager of Great Britain and Ireland at Coca-Cola, said: “For 125 years, Coca-Cola has been made, served and shared by people and businesses in communities across Great Britain.
“With Counter Cultures, we wanted to celebrate the family-run local businesses and multi-generational teams who help bring that story to life every day.”
The campaign launches this summer, with more stories set to be released throughout the year.