The Hand in Hand

Pubs are a quintessentially British institution. They have held a seat at the heart of the country's communities for century.

However, for a multitude of reasons, pubs are in danger of disappearing. In research published before the pandemic, CAMRA announced that one pub was closing down every 12 hours.

Beset by curfews and social distancing guidelines, the situation for the industry is getting worse.

The Hand in Hand in Kemptown

One business that is particularly effected is the Hand in Hand in Kemptown, Brighton. The pub has a small bar area - just one room with a handful of tables, and its selling point is the close knit community and welcoming atmosphere that awaits anyone that walks through the door.

Run by Jen, the pub has continued offering a service to the community.

With no smoking area, the Hand in Hand now operates 'The Hatch' and even delivers beer to regulars.

Jen takes an order over the phone.

Pours it into a can and seals it fresh.

...having it waiting for the customer when they arrive.

Perhaps the reason why the pub is so pokey, is the very same reason that the pub is set to survive the pandemic. In the 1990s the roof was taken off the pub so a brewery could be installed. Where there was once an extra floor of seating there now sits a laboratory and a huge mash tun.

Whilst the pub remains quiet, the brewery is constantly working (and has now expanded again into an industrial unit off site).

Jen is helped by a team, that support the pub in a number of ways.

For example, building a replica of the pub - bringing the dream of bringing the pub to the regulars a reality - the Hand on Wheels.

Whilst, thanks to the optimism of the team behind it, it looks like The Hand in Hand will manage to survive the worst of COVID, many other pubs will not.

For more information on how to help your local pub check out the Campaign for Real Ale. Together we might be able to ensure that pubs like Jen's get back to being what they are supposed to be - hubs for the community where anyone can come, meet, make friends and most importantly - have fun.

All photos by Tolly Robinson

Appreciate