A SELECTION of pubs around the UK will serve drinks in limited-edition commemorative glasses for this year’s Poppy Appeal, including Somerset pubs, is your favourite pub getting involved?

In a nod to the Brits who have taken pub glasses home with them without permission, this time it’s encouraged, as 1,000 pubs across the UK will be serving drinks in the limited edition glasses.

From October 26, pint and half-pint glasses will be available to purchase from 1,175 Marston’s pubs across the UK, including 87 in the South West and 17 in Somerset specifically.

Pint glasses will cost £2.50 and half pint glasses will cost £2, with 100% of the profits going to The Royal British Legion.

Glasses will be available to purchase empty, as well as with drinks to be enjoyed in pubs, before taking them home. 

The poppy glasses are just one part of Marston’s month to remember, with pubs running awareness and fundraising events up and down the country, including everything from community breakfasts, to live music, to remember our veterans past and present.

Traditional pin-on poppies will also be available to purchase.

The Royal British Legion is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with over 180,000 members.

Since 1921, the charity has been dedicated to supporting serving and ex-serving veterans, as well as the wider Armed Forces community including dependants and carers.

Ben France, Head of Corporate Partnerships from The Royal British Legion, said "We're thrilled to be partnering with Marston’s to support Poppy Appeal this year and beyond.

"The fundraising taking place across their network of pubs will help transform the lives of those in need across our Armed Forces community"

Each year, the Poppy Appeal is launched to raise funds for The Royal British Legion ahead of Remembrance Sunday, with donations being used to provide vital support to the community. 

In 2023, the UK saw a 35% increase in the number of households requesting assistance, which led to The Royal British Legion supporting 27,000 people and awarding more than £18 million worth of grants to individuals in need.

The 17 Somerset pubs selling the limited-edition Poppy Appeal glass include:

  • Library - Corporation Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AJ.

  • Skylark - Westpark, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9AD.

  • White Willow - Market Way, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6DF.

  • Admiral's Table - Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4TN.

  • Stonemasons - Harts Close, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9DJ.

  • Bear Inn - High Street, Street, Somerset, BA16 0EF.

  • Sparkford Inn - High Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7JH.

  • Arrow - The Forum, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 3TL.

  • Royal Marine Inn - Great Western Terrace, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5AA.

  • Half Moon - Half Moon Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3LN.

  • Wagtail - Long Close, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8AB.

  • Landing Light - Beaufighter Road, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BS24 8EE.

  • Stag & Hounds - Bristol Road, Winscombe, Somerset, BS25 5NJ.

  • Old Colonial - 30 Knightstone Road, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 2AW.

  • Summerhouse - Worle, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BS22 6WE.

  • Observatory - Becket Road, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BS22 7TA.

  • Ebdon - Lilac Way, Wick St Lawrence, Somerset, BS22 9WE.

Jared Sedgwick, Director of Operations from Marston’s, said: “Brits have been known to take glasses home with them from the pub, but this time we’re encouraging it!

"We’re so proud to be working in partnership with The Royal British Legion to give our customers another way to raise awareness and crucial funds for veterans, who are such a large part of the Marson’s community.

"We want to welcome everyone to their local pub for what will be a month to remember, and join us in saying cheers to our heroes.”