HOW THE CORONA VIRUS AND A PODCAST, HAVE SHOWN LOCALS IN LONDON JUST HOW MUCH THE COMMUNITY NEEDS ITS PUB

While the nation attempts to “saves lives and protect the NHS”, a landlord tells how one by-product of the crisis has been to highlight the importance of the pub to the community, and maybe when this is all over, a new stronger model will rise from the ashes.

Talking on the podcast, WET AND DRY, Chris Dyson, landlord of the Rose and Crown in Tooting, elegantly tells how they have updated the model of a local to the 21^st century, providing a safe, friendly, multi-faceted meeting point for the local community. A community which it is currently hurting them not to serve

“First and foremost, we’re part of the community and when the community itself is under a strange situation the pub should be there for them. It’s very sad were not able to do that this time.”

Even with its enforced temporary closure the pub, which serves locals in Tooting and Balham, has tried to be as proactive as possible. It has advertised its’ number if people need help or just a chat, and ensured they are communicating with their staff and much missed locals.

Despite the negative effect this will have on his business, Chris and his team can’t wait to re-open their door of this much-loved pub.

“There’s talk about an opening week rather than an opening day………..the only good thing about this is I can’t wait to the pub back open again.”

The WET and DRY podcast explores male drinking culture, our relationship with pubs and friendship, as two drinking buddies follow their journey when one goes on a year of voluntary sobriety. The podcast which has interviewed low alcohol breweries, CAMRA and a Consultant Hepatologist amongst others, has stayed recording through the crisis, which has allowed them to cast a unique light on our relationship with alcohol in stressful times.

“When we started this, we could never have imagined the situation we are in now. Alcohol and pubs do provide a crux to many people and what we are currently doing is being able to examine sobriety and drinking in the most extreme circumstances. However, as the news is currently so severe, we have tried to keep our light-hearted, but respectful angle on it.”

Wet and Dry features awarding winning podcast producer Geoff Jein, and media professional, Matt Pennington

Wet and Dry podcast can be found on all podcast platforms,

https://podfollow.com/wet-and-dry

www.wetanddrypodcast.com

For more information please contact Matt Pennington

matt@thisisactivate.com

m - 07949405603