Licensee urges pubs to help food banks
Licensee of the Drapers Arms in Islington, North London, Nick Gibson, which is number 67 on the Estrella Damm Gastropubs list, earlier this week shared on the pub’s Instagram page the Government’s proposals regarding “tax cuts for the least fortunate” had caused him to feel “revulsion”.
While Gibson stated Islington benefitted from being affluent in many parts, other areas of the London borough were “very disadvantaged” and he felt it was the pub’s “responsibility” to help the community where possible.
He said: “It's always been our view we exist in a community and we have a responsibility to participate widely in the community and give back where we can.
Significant challenge
“The food situation we see in our price of goods is going up relentlessly and there are people for whom being able to eat and feed their families is a very significant challenge.
“If we can do [this] for two months for the disadvantaged around the world and for those who have nowhere to sleep over the Christmas period, we can do something for the hungry as well.
“And so, I thought we would do something locally to broaden the range of things we are involved in and participate in.”
Gibson added he had planned to begin adding an additional £1 to bills in January and was hoping to encourage other local businesses to participate as well as approaching food banks in the area with a view of working alongside them to action this idea.
Facing headwinds
The licensee stated the Drapers Arms last month donated some £1,500 to Islington food banks and would make some matching payments to the money raised from this in the future.
Additionally, despite the challenging financial situation currently faced by many pubs and consumers alike, Gibson was sure the community would be “empathetic” to others who may be struggling.
He said: “I think most people will take a bigger picture view.
“Yes, we're facing increasing food costs, we are seeing some softening at the moment in demand and quieter days, but this is neither here nor there in terms of whether or not we survive because it is something customers do.
“When you're struggling and facing headwinds, it doesn't stop you being empathetic towards others who are struggling more.”
