In an age when brands are trying to ‘out eco’ one another, it’s important that actions back up promises. As a perfect example, London’s first social enterprise pub The Green Vic is charitable through-and-through, from cleaning sprays to salads to staff, "where everything you buy and use has a positive environmental and social impact."
Run by The Better World Group, every element of this East London pub helps a good cause. The drinks businesses alone support over 40 individual non-profit charities between them. Example collaborations include Brewgooder, who work on bringing clean water to Malawi, and GoodWill Gin, who run a 100% renewable distillery and turn any leftover waste into cow food. The Green Grill head up the menu here, serving purely plant-powered burgers, and proceeds from their ‘Better World Brunches’ will go straight to charity. Tickets cost just £5.
The look of the space itself is as ‘conscious’ as the concept; everything is as eco-friendly as possible and all materials have been chosen for their sustainability. Even the furniture is upcycled, thanks to the expertise of TV presenter Max McMurdo who consulted on the design.
The do good ethos truly serves as the beating heart of the project, even when it comes to recruitment. Unity Kitchen and Change Please have ensured that one in four staff members are from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those suffering from homelessness or disabilities.
From June 20th - September 16th
46 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3EP