A COMPANY which runs the Pembroke Arms and the Market Tavern in Salisbury has contributed more than £20,000 to community groups across the south west.

The Chickpea Group runs a number of country pubs across the southwest as well as the Nole on the Square pizza shop in the city.

The company set up a Chickpea + Friends Fund in 2023 to provide support for groups instrumental in supporting disadvantaged young people, refugees, asylum seekers and various other initiatives, with a focus on helping those who need it most.

The fund has so far raised £20,000.

Ethan Davids, CEO of Chickpea Group said: “We’re really proud to hit the £20k milestone with the Chickpea + Friends Fund.

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“Working with the Wiltshire Community Foundation to manage all of our charitable giving means these funds are distributed across the county to organisations, projects, and groups local to our places who work tirelessly for the benefit of their own communities.”

Administered through Wiltshire Community Foundation, the fund has supported a wide range of community-driven projects, including the Harbour Project, Salisbury Women’s Refuge, Escapeline and Muse CIC.

These organisations have benefitted from grants that help to provide vital services and support to those who are often under-represented in the community.

Fiona Oliver, joint chief executive of Wiltshire Community Foundation, said: “The Chickpea + Friends Fund is a brilliant example of a local business connecting with and caring for its local community.

“It demonstrates strategic and smart charitable giving while also making the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.

“We are incredibly proud to work with the Chickpea team and to see how far their fund has come in such a short time.

“As the Chickpea business continues to grow and thrive so does their charitable giving.”

The Chickpea + Friends Fund is sustained through contributions from the business and fundraising events, including their highly successful and competitive Monday night quiz at the Pembroke Arms in Wilton.

The money raised goes directly to supporting organisations, charities, and individuals in need across Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset.

As well as the Pembroke Arms, the Nole on the Square and The Market Tavern in Salisbury, Chickpea Group also runs The Dog and Gun in Netheravon, The Grosvenor Arms in Hindon, The Queen’s Head in Broad Chalke, The Silver Plough in Pitton.