The 5 London pubs asking their regulars to donate £300,000 so they can reopen
| Date | 01 April 2021 |
| Published date | 01 April 2021 |
While the rules around pub drinking will be less strict when beer gardens open this time around, it could be too little too late for a number of London's most vulnerable venues.
A number of the city's establishments have been put on the Music Venue Trust's 'red list' -meaning they are in urgent need of financial aid to see through this final stretch of lockdown.
While it's reassuring to see that some have already been saved £150,000 was raised to get The Black Heart in Camden off the list the risk is still very real for some.
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Here are just five of London's pubs that collectively need £300,000 to survive through the last leg of lockdown:
1. The Fiddler's Elbow, Camden
Madness, The Jam and The Clash were just some of the bands that once played in this independent Chalk Farm pub.
But owner Dan Maiden said it is not these iconic bands that make the survival of his pub so important.
He said: "All the millions of tourists came to Camden because of the musical history. This place has had a music licence for 102 years.
"But it's not about who's been here. It's about who's not been here. It's about young artists. This place gave them a chance."
The venue, dating back to 1846, was hosting 28 bands a week before the pandemic, giving a vital platform for unsigned and emerging musicians.
Now, minimal government funding while trying to operate on 'the tiniest of margins' rent in Camden isn't cheap means this historic venue could simply become another block of flats.
"Very sad, but true," Dan said.
The owner said it is 'a farce' how the Government boast about supporting the arts with billions, when in fact the money is 'going to the big boys'.
"It's so far from the truth," he said.
"Without donations, we will be forced to close for good. So please help if you can," he added.
The venue is aiming to raise £12,000. Find out more about how to help.
2. Central Station, King's Cross
This independent bar in Islington has been putting on inclusive and safe nights for LGBTQ+ groups since 1991.
But mounting bills and £95,000 rent costs have left the owners with no option but to ask the community for help.
“It’s more than just a pub," co-owner Duncan Irvine said, "It’s a community and a place where people can...
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