It's always interesting to see how some businesses have adapted to the trying commercial circumstances they find themselves working under during lockdown. One place that seems to have adapted particularly well is the award-winning North London gastropub, The Red Lion and Sun.
From the word go, they diversified into a bottle and keg shop run from the front garden of the Highgate pub. They're also doing a storming line in delivery/takeaways with a whopping 285 Sunday lunches going out last weekend alone. They've also developed quite the cult following on Instagram, thanks to Heath's business partner Marcus (who he runs The Wenlock Arms with) and his musical numbers. If you haven't caught them already - you really ought to check it out.
We walked up to Highgate yesterday to check out the operation and in between a stream of locals popping into buy a chilled bottle of Provencal rose or a couple of pints of beer to takeaway we caught up with pub landlord Heath Ball.
Heath's latest cunning plan is to target the growing crowd of Londoners thronging its parks. Starting today the pub will be supplying drinks to Waterlow Park. All you have to do is call the pub on 0208 340 1780 to place your order - wine, beer and soft drinks are all available -and then they'll meet you at the North Shelter in Waterlow Park. The minimum order is £30.
With designs to expand the operation to the whole of nearby Hampstead Heath, this could, as Heath says, end up being London's biggest beer garden while the city's pubs are closed.
More about The Red Lion & Sun
Where is it? 25 North Rd, Highgate, London N6 4BE
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @theredlionandsun
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