Jodie Kidd fights for local pubs with new campaign

Model and publican Jodie Kidd has launched a ‘Long Live The Local’ campaign as pubs start to reopen fully.

The heartfelt campaign in support of local pubs goes live just as hospitality venues get the go-ahead to return to normal after nearly 18 months, following last night’s announcement of the end of lockdown restrictions.

Designed to champion the important role the pub plays in British communities, the new campaign kicks off with an evocative film that captures that special feeling when you walk into your local boozer.

Kidd, who bought the Half Moon pub in Sussex back in 2017 with a friend, and who, along with many other publicans, has suffered from closures due to the pandemic, is calling upon people not to take their local for granted.

“No matter how big or small the occasion, Brits rely on pubs to provide a warm, comforting and welcoming space to socialise. That’s why I’m backing Long Live The Local to help our pubs and breweries thrive,” said Kidd.

The campaign also asks the Government to invest in Britain’s pubs and breweries through the reform of VAT, Beer Duty and Business Rates.

With 2,360 pubs having closed their doors for good last year due to Covid, Long Love The Local – backed by a wide alliance of pubs, brewers and industry bodies – is calling on Government to invest in pubs so that they can deliver even more social and economic benefits to their local communities.

The campaign will celebrate the real stories of people who have formed lifelong connections in their local pub, starting by renaming the Rose & Crown in Clapham Common to the Rose & Rory in honour of one couple who met there and have been together ever since.