Take a seat - and help save pub

A PUB described as a “jewel in Nottingham’s crown” has come up with a series of fundraising ideas to help it stay afloat – including sponsoring a seat.

Drinkers who buy a seat at the historic Angel Microbrewery, pictured, will be recognised with their name on a brass plaque along with a choice of inscription such as “God Save Our Pub” and “I’m an Angel That Saved the Angel” mounted on one of the 12 seats up for grabs from £100 up to £300.

Punters can choose to buy their favourite seat in the main bar, the microbrewery, the outside courtyard or even the very special church pew in the Chapel.

The pub, located within a Grade Iilisted building in Stoney Street, Hockley, is attempting to raise £26,000 to safeguard its future. Since launching its Save the Angel appeal in December, just over £8,000 has been donated.

In another money-spinning initiative some of the pub’s regular DJS are livestreaming sets each Friday from 6pm on Twitch.tv.

Hockley Hustle director Ben Welch said the festival was backing the campaign.

“The Angel is so much more than just another pub. It supports the creative life of the city and is a home for those with an independent spirit. Without places like The Angel, multi-venue festivals such as ours wouldn’t be possible.”

A huge raffle goes live next week for the chance to win prizes – ranging from original art and independent clothing to hairdressing and tattoo sessions – donated by the Nottingham creative community which rallied round after news broke that the pub was in peril.

Director Benjamin Rose, who took over and restored the pub in 2016, said: “Despite doing everything we can to stay afloat, we are struggling especially as time goes on and we still can’t open or even offer beer for takeaway. We’ve had hundreds of people donating to our Go Fund Me and we are so grateful.”

All the fundraising initiatives will be promoted through the pub’s Facebook page.