We were pleased to give advice to committee setting up The Step community pub in Myddleton Road, Bounds Green, N22 some time ago. Fortunately they obtained funds from the Government’s community asset scheme, and by selling shares and they were able to successfully re open their bar in July. It’s now called the Hillbilly Social 101. The bar is run by the owners of the Muswell Hillbilly Brewery and their beers are prominent in the selection. Like us, they have DJ nights, poetry, live music, quizzes, clubs and other events. All craft pints are priced at £6.50. As they don’t have a bar cellar, its hard for them to stock real ales. A kitchen is coming in September and they are interested in how we deliver our community food project. They’ve done a good job in terms of fit out and utilization of the space they’ve got. There is also a nice little beer garden at the back.
Congratulations to all at the Hillbilly Social. Why not pay them a visit when you can. Haringey has lost 40% of its pubs in the last 20 years so its good to see some pubs coming back particularly if they are run on community lines. The new government stated its commitment to community ownership in the recent King’s speech so we may see more local initiatives springing up.