Organic gastro pub operator awarded MBE

Geetie Singh, owner of London organic gastro pub the Duke of Cambridge, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Singh, managing director of Sloeberry Trading which operates the pub, has been recognised for her services to the organic gastro pub trade.

She opened in 1998 as the UK's first organic gastro pub. It is the only pub to be certified by the Soil Association.

Singh said: "I grew up in a commune in the Midlands, we were taught as kids to think of the impact you were having on society and when I started working in restaurants 15 years ago I became deeply disillusioned with the lack of sustainability.

"I quickly decided there was a market for a restaurant that was thinking about its impact on the environment as well as serving fantastic food and drink."

Among the values the business is founded on are treating staff and producers fairly, respecting the environment, operating a democratic style of management, championing a sustainable way of life, doing business with small, independent producers and forging strong links with the local community.

All food at the pub is organic and seasonal and beer is brewed in or close to London. Electricity is wind and solar generated.