London pub Magpie & Crown supports the local food bank, FoodBox, with their new "The High Street gives back" initiative for Christmas 2019.

The filmer told Newsflare: “There is quite a load of tinned food building up inside the Magpie public bar... it's just an ordinary pub, no airs and graces.”

According to the filmer, Scott Illman, the landlord of Magpie & Crown, encouraged others to get involved by sending a group WhatsApp message to all of the local businesses.

As Christmas approaches, an emergency appeal has been made by FoodBox saying: "We have so many people coming to us for help but we are struggling to keep the stock up to meet the need."

Former MP and Labour candidate Ruth Cadbury said: "It's an excellent idea and I'd like to thank the landlord of the Magpie. It's important that those of us who can afford a little extra do donate to the collection point at the Magpie."

Councillor Katherine Dunne said: "When we set FoodBox up several years ago things were bad enough but they have got worse. The food bank has seen a lot more people using it."

Mayor Tony Louki did the honours in Brentford Market Place and there was splendid singing on the steps of Verdict. But the festive spirit only highlighted the need to support our local food bank, FoodBox, with initiatives like those set up at the Magpie & Crown across the road.
Ruth Cadbury – MP for four years and standing again – said: "It's an excellent idea and I'd like to thank the landlord of the Magpie. It's important that those of us who can afford a little extra do donate to the collection point at the Magpie."
Council leader Steve Curran said: "It's a great service to the community".
Cllr Katherine Dunne said: "When we set FoodBox up several years ago things were bad enough but they have got worse. The food bank has seen a lot more people using it."
Ruth Cadbury agreed the need for the food bank was greater than last year and added: "It's atrocious what's happening."

Scott Illman, landlord of the Magpie, wants to get others involved. He calls it "The High Street gives back." It has the backing from Adam Shailes, President of the Brentford Chamber of Commerce, who is contact his members asking them to give their support as well. But at the moment it is mainly the Magpie.
It's only the beginning – but there is quite a load of tinned food building up inside the Magpie public bar. More is expected over the weekend. It's just an ordinary pub, no airs and graces.
As Christmas approaches, an emergency appeal has now been made by FoodBox (the local food bank). It says: "We have so many people coming to us for help but we are struggling to keep the stock up to meet the need."
So the Magpie's efforts are even more important.