17th Jun 2026
The Hope Inn, Leeds: A Community Hero at the Heart of Leeds 9
At Trust Inns, we’re incredibly proud to recognise the people who make our pubs far more than just places to enjoy a drink. Our Community Hero Award celebrates those who go above and beyond for their customers and local communities, and this month, we’re delighted to honour Leonie, landlady of The Steamboat in Lossiemouth this award.
Since taking over The Steamboat four years ago, Leonie has transformed the pub into the beating heart of the local community. Her passion, energy and genuine care for people have created a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.
As her Business Development Manager, Peter Dorovic has seen first-hand the incredible impact Leonie has made.
“Leonie epitomises what a traditional pub landlady should be. She’s welcoming to everyone, knows her customers by name and genuinely cares about them. People arrive at The Steamboat as strangers and leave as friends. It’s exactly the kind of community pub people want to be part of.”
Supporting local causes is woven into everything Leonie and her team do. Through regular fundraising events, raffles and community initiatives, The Steamboat has become a major supporter of organisations across Lossiemouth.
The pub sponsors and supports a wide range of local groups, including:
Monthly meat raffles, charity events, and even Leonie’s memorable gesture of cutting off her hair for charity have all helped raise vital funds for local causes. It is this willingness to go the extra mile that has earned her enormous respect within the community.
Leonie’s impact hasn’t stopped with fundraising.
Since becoming tenant, she has grown trade year after year while retaining loyal regulars and welcoming new customers into the fold. She has also reimagined spaces within the pub to better serve the community.
A previously unused function room has been transformed into Lossiemouth’s go-to venue for celebrations, hosting birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, retirement parties, hen and stag gatherings, folk festivals and even its very first wedding. Also, an old storeroom has also been converted.
What truly makes Leonie special is the care she shows every single day.
Whether it’s making newcomers from the nearby RAF base feel instantly welcome, introducing exciting new products behind the bar, or even walking elderly customers home safely on dark evenings, she consistently puts people first.
Her warmth extends to her team too, creating an atmosphere where staff genuinely enjoy coming to work—and customers can feel it the moment they walk through the door.
Peter adds:
“The Steamboat is a beautiful traditional pub in a stunning location, but it’s Leonie and her team who make it truly special. Every visit you leave reminded what great hospitality is all about. It’s always a pleasure to visit.”
Reflecting on receiving the Community Hero Award, Leonie said:
“When I came to The Steamboat four and a half years ago, I was only looking for a part-time job after selling my café. I never in a million years thought I’d become the landlady.
Now, four years on, I couldn’t be without my Steamboat family. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of fundraising for local groups and families, supporting local organisations and helping create so many special occasions—from weddings and birthdays to anniversaries, folk festivals and remembering some of our dearest customers.
I absolutely love what I do and I love making The Steamboat more than just a bar for everyone. I am absolutely delighted to receive this award, and to be recognised for everything we do means so much. Thank you.”
Congratulations, Leonie!