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Geetie Singh: ‘I am so thrilled’ |
Organic pub harvests bumper awards crop
Solar-powered bar serves only in-season food
WHEN Geetie Singh opened her now-famous organic gastro pub at the Angel experts in the trade said it would never work.
That was 10 years ago – and this week the Duke of Cambridge in St Peter’s Street was celebrating winning three ethical awards.
It has received a Natural and Organic Award, in association with the Soil Association, for the Best Organic Restaurant and its “unflinching commitment to the environment”.
The judges were impressed by the pub’s policy of using only produce that is in season, creating a twice-daily changing menu – with 80 per cent of fresh ingredients coming from the Home Counties.
The pub has also won a Business in the Community Big Tick Award for Excellence, recognising its work in bringing positive change to rural communities through responsible business practices, and an Islington Council Giant Green Award for minimising waste.
Ms Singh, who promotes sustainable living as a member of the London Mayor’s food group, said: “When we opened we were regarded with suspicion by the restaurant trade, but we earned our stripes and have never weakened our resolve to run a business in an ethical and sustainable way.
“I am so thrilled that the hard work of all our staff and food producers has been rewarded and recognised.”
Ms Singh grew up in a Midlands commune, and was taught to think of the impact she was having on society.
She added: “I started working in restaurants 15 years ago and became deeply disillusioned with the lack of sustainability.
“I quickly decided there was a market for a restaurant that was thinking about its impact on the environment as well as serving fantastic food and drink.
“Food is my love – but food at any cost? Not on your life!”
She has a fish buying policy that is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, and approved by the Marine Conservation Society.
Since its opening, the pub’s mission has been to recycle, re-use and compost as much as possible.
The citation for the Giant Green Award stated: “It recycles building materials, furniture, kitchen waste, tin, paper, card, corks and glass. It composts all its food waste, and the pub’s electricity is solar and wind-generated. It uses recycled furniture and green cleaning products and keeps a strict eye on all energy use.” |
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