South Norwood Tourist Board

Port in a storm? (Photo by Learning Lark)

Last week a throw away comment on social media regarding the relative pricing of fish and chips in pubs caused quite a stir. We were accused of being negative. “Why are you talking down local businesses?” we were asked, “Surely the point of the tourist board is to promote business in the area?”

Indeed we have promoted businesses in the area. When people have made thinly veiled complaints about the number of barbers and chicken shops in the area we have been happy to celebrate South Norwood as the place where you can get a good haircut, a bellyful of chicken and still go home with change in your pocket. We celebrate South Norwood in all its wonderful diversity.

We also aim to be inclusive – which is why, to date, we have never charged a penny for any of the events we have organised. We understand that businesses operate in a different environment and that they might have different strategies to achieve their bottom line. We also understand from the proposed strike action by Wetherspoon’s staff that cheap beer and food can often be bought on the backs of the workers. But we also know people in the local community who genuinely can’t afford to come out and drink with us; wonderful community spirited people who we would happily stand a few drinks for – but if they can’t afford to buy a round they won’t come.

It is a difficult knot to untangle. Capital poisons the relationships of all it touches. Pubs in particular like to be seen as more than businesses; the centre of the community. We love a pub. We love our community. It is the people who are the heart of South Norwood. From the outset, we have been clear with pubs about our belief in inclusive pricing structures. We know this is just one of many pressures that pubs face, especially independents. We will continue to support them all to the best of our ability (and capacity) – but we make no apologies for also encouraging businesses to consider the whole community. We might be the tourist board but no-one should feel like a tourist in their own community – not unless it’s part of our grand plan to make everyday a holiday – for everyone.

The Triumph of Bacchus by  Diego Velázquez