Angel & Crown pub recognised as a “lockdown hero”

When the Angel & Crown was told it could no longer serve pints over lockdown, the pub opened its doors for those in need by offering hot meals from its kitchen.

And its hard work has not gone amiss - with the pub winning 'Best Community Initiative', beating six other businesses in their category.

The pub’s 'grab & go' service offered a hot meal, tea, coffee, cake and fruit, to those who usually helped by The Vineyard, a Richmond Community Centre which shut during lockdown.

However, the project soon expanded, with donations collected for sleeping bags, clothes, and toiletries.

Landlord, Nick Botting, said at least six people also found accommodation after the initiative.

Though the Angel & Crown temporary service ended when pubs reopened on the 4th July, Mr Botting said it is important to keep the issue of homelessness in our minds.

“I’m incredibly thankful to all of our customers who voted and have been so supportive. We’re humbled that out of all the amazing stories across the country we were chosen for the lockdown hospitality award.

“As a small local pub, we’re proud of keeping tradition. It’s important to me that pubs remain in the centre of community, as they have been in past,” said the landlord.

As the government curfew introduces a curfew of 10pm across venues this Thursday, the pub faces an uncertain future again. However, Mr Botting says he is remaining positive:

“It’s not ideal but we have to keep going. In life there are a lot of people who are a lot worse off, especially those who live on street. For us as a business we just need to smile, and make it work for us. That’s the only way we’re going to get through this.”