Grenfell Tower: Pubs rally to help victims
The fire raged throughout the building in the early hours of last Wednesday morning (14 June) leaving the people who escaped homeless.
In response the Portobello Gold in Notting Hill, situated close to the Grenfell Tower, offered accommodation to some of those who had lost their homes in the disaster.
Owner of the pub Mike Bell told the Morning Advertiser: “We threw the doors open. The problem was that there was no co-coordination and no one to call. We helped accommodate some people.”
Manager Alex Hughes has not been able to go home since the event as the fire brigade cut off the gas outside his building for safety.
“It has really affected loads of us round here,” he said. “We have done loads and loads of fundraising. Everyone has been donating bedding, clothes and stuff like that. Everybody has been doing their part.”
The Eagle in Ladbroke Grove has been collecting cash and goods such as bedding and clothing to donate. It is to run a fundraising event on Thursday night, with all food and drink sales being donated to the victims.
Supervisor Kara Reaney told the Morning Advertiser: “Staff and locals have pulled together and we are now doing a fundraising concert on Thursday with local bands and all food and drinks sales will go to victim support.”
A day called “Stand up for Grenfell” will be run at the Gunners Pub in Highbury on Saturday, 1 July. It is asking customers to attend for a day of food, drink, music, comedy and community to raise funds for victims and their families.
Young’s Elgin pub in Ladbroke Grove opened the night of the fire to help survivors in the early hours. A spokesperson said the pub was trying to help the community as best it can during this period.
Pubs across the country are tweeting to ask people to help with their fundraising activities to assist the victims.
James Cuthbertson, spokesman for PubAid, said: "It's great to see so many pubs rallying around to help those suffering in the aftermath of the tower fire, it's another reminder of what a vital role pubs play in the fabric of our community."
