Long live the Cock tavern
Donation protected
On March 20th The Cock Tavern closed its doors along with all other pubs and restaurants in line with Government advice to stop the spread of Covid-19. This was a difficult decision for landlady Sheila Gavigan as it was the first time in 20 years that she hasn’t been able to open this popular community pub.
Throughout the past two decades Sheila has supported many within the community as well as local businesses within Somers Town. Sheila fought a lengthy campaign to keep the Cock Tavern available to all, picking up a community service award from the Mayor of London’s office along the way. In addition, the Cock tavern has also been recognised as an asset of community value. Sheila herself has worked endlessly, supporting all around her. Sheila’s walls are covered with certificates of thanks from Macmillan and Marie Curie amongst others, this is for monies that have been raised through her charity fundraising.
The Cock Tavern is that rare thing – a traditional working-class boozer in Central London but also in the heart of the community. In an area of high rent Sheila has managed to keep prices low by attracting a mixture of loyal locals, students from nearby campuses and football fans attracted by the live sports channels. This is the sort of pub that cannot be allowed to close permanently, but high overheads and no customers for over 2 months mean that is exactly what may happen.
Now, as lockdown is relaxed it is time to begin thinking of reopening the Cock Tavern and the problems that brings with it. The Cock Tavern needs an injection of funds to keep it going – the rent hasn’t gone down although the beer has stopped flowing and the income has dried up. Money is needed just to help pay the overheads until the doors are once again re-opened.
This is where you can help. The Cock Tavern customers are setting up a GoFundMe page to make sure that their favourite pub reopens its doors just as soon as the Government says it can. We are calling on you to donate whatever you can to protect this valuable community asset. So whether you are a regular customer, an occasional visitor, a local business or even a teetotaller who believes that communities need pubs like the Cock Tavern, please put your hand in your pocket or your purse and give what you can.
These have been a tough few months for everyone, and many people have suffered tremendous hardship, but be assured with your help The Cock Tavern will be back !!
Throughout the past two decades Sheila has supported many within the community as well as local businesses within Somers Town. Sheila fought a lengthy campaign to keep the Cock Tavern available to all, picking up a community service award from the Mayor of London’s office along the way. In addition, the Cock tavern has also been recognised as an asset of community value. Sheila herself has worked endlessly, supporting all around her. Sheila’s walls are covered with certificates of thanks from Macmillan and Marie Curie amongst others, this is for monies that have been raised through her charity fundraising.
The Cock Tavern is that rare thing – a traditional working-class boozer in Central London but also in the heart of the community. In an area of high rent Sheila has managed to keep prices low by attracting a mixture of loyal locals, students from nearby campuses and football fans attracted by the live sports channels. This is the sort of pub that cannot be allowed to close permanently, but high overheads and no customers for over 2 months mean that is exactly what may happen.
Now, as lockdown is relaxed it is time to begin thinking of reopening the Cock Tavern and the problems that brings with it. The Cock Tavern needs an injection of funds to keep it going – the rent hasn’t gone down although the beer has stopped flowing and the income has dried up. Money is needed just to help pay the overheads until the doors are once again re-opened.
This is where you can help. The Cock Tavern customers are setting up a GoFundMe page to make sure that their favourite pub reopens its doors just as soon as the Government says it can. We are calling on you to donate whatever you can to protect this valuable community asset. So whether you are a regular customer, an occasional visitor, a local business or even a teetotaller who believes that communities need pubs like the Cock Tavern, please put your hand in your pocket or your purse and give what you can.
These have been a tough few months for everyone, and many people have suffered tremendous hardship, but be assured with your help The Cock Tavern will be back !!
Organizer and beneficiary
Sheila Gavigan
Organizer
Linda Barrett
Beneficiary