The Tipton pub that's a hit with the local community and thrives on being there for everyone

Kirsten, 50, says she has run the Gospel Oak for almost 20 years now and why she loves it is because it has become an integral part of the community.

She said: "Running a pub, it is all about being part of the community, getting heavily involved with your people. Whether it is fundraising events, community events, we always get involved.

"We have helped many campaigns raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital, and just recently we took part in the Eden project where instead of locals applying to close roads for street parties for the King's Coronation, we hosted the celebration here at the Gospel Oak.

"So we had everyone involved in activities and celebrations in our garden, we decorated the place and screened the coronation, and it was a very popular event with our community.

"During my time here I have been able to build a lot of relationships with people, and everyone has become like family, with the locals and regulars. It is a real family-oriented pub.

"For example, during Covid I would get involved with the locals and do a rainbow trail in the windows and kids would see their colouring pages in our windows.

"Even now, everyone is welcome, it is a big family place and so kids are welcome here, and they all know me by name which is amazing, and I will leave their drawings and pictures behind the bar for people to see.

"It all helps with the big family feel, and we truly are renowned for this, everybody comes in and there is something for everyone.

"We have also built a great relationship with Gospel Oak Academy, the school opposite us and we work together to allow school leavers to have the opportunity to come here and learn about the industry and we also offer apprenticeships.

"Some leavers have come to me for part-time work, and so it is nice to be able to provide these opportunities and teach them basic life skills to use in their lives."

Kirsten has become a real popular figure within the community, and she says everyone knows her by name, and it is also because she does so much work with the locals, it has become second nature to her to do so.

The work Kirsten does in the community sometimes goes on behind the scenes too as she does not do it for the publicity, but instead chooses to do it from the kindness of her heart.

Sharing about this, she added: "We don't broadcast some of the things we do because we genuinely care and do not do it for publicity.

"The bond I have built with these people is amazing, you get to know people very closely, and so you know when they have lost someone or need some time, we are there for them as much as we can and do it quite a lot.

"Even around Christmas time, I always try my very best to be able to help any lonely people out and ensure that they have a plate of dinner, and even deliver some out.

"It has even happened where I have had people round my own home for Christmas dinner just because they would be on their own otherwise, and I think it doesn't hurt to knock on someone's door and invite them round.

"There is always a seat at my table for you, and so this is a massive thing for us."

The pub serves food regularly too and has become very popular with the locals according to Kirsten.

The hospitality industry of course has been through a tough period with the Covid pandemic, and Kirsten said the Gospel Oak was no exception.

She added: "Coming out of Covid was fantastic.

"It was so tough during, so we felt that need and excitement to be in back in business.

"Working with restrictions was tough, and some of us struggled mentally but thankfully our parent company, Marston's, is very strong on mental wellbeing and so we received a lot of support and resources for us to use, and we are a big supporter of mental wellbeing and being a safe place for all people, no matter their background or orientation.

"The work we do with the community is very much appreciated and I get a lot of support in return.

"I just like to stay very humble, just do what I do and I love what I do, because otherwise I would not be doing it.

"This is my industry, being in hospitality.

"I have made sure people can come here for a lovely, welcoming time but also made sure it is a safe place and anyone can approach me and talk to me in any situation."