Nestled on Rectory Grove in Clapham, The Pig’s Head has become a beloved local fixture since opening its doors in October 2021.
With a commitment to sustainability and community, it has recently earned the prestigious title of the most sustainable pub in the UK at the British Pub Awards 2024.
Jack Ross, the co-owner and general manager of The Pig’s Head, has led the pub's sustainable journey from the start, overseeing its refurbishment with a focus on reusing old items to minimize waste and avoid sending anything to landfill.
Jack told Your Local Guardian: “Our staff spend a lot of time at antique fairs, scouring for tables, chairs, and even plates and salt and pepper shakers.
"We use an organic farm in Kent, where staff have direct relationships with their farmers to ensure minimal environmental impact.
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"We source from suppliers who prioritise sustainability and avoid single-use plastics wherever possible.
"For instance, in most commercial kitchens, you’ll find cling film—we don’t use it.
"We even swapped out plastic pens for pencils, which are more sustainable, and our aprons are made from recycled denim, sourced from old jeans.”
The Pig’s Head also places a strong emphasis on local, sustainable sourcing for its food and drink.
“All of our cocktails are made here, and we source as much as possible from farmers we know personally,” Jack added.
The pub’s menu changes twice daily, a reflection of their dedication to freshness and seasonality.
He explained: “We create the menu 13 times a week to keep everything fresh.
"We also do wine on tap, which cuts down on glass production and how it’s transported.”
One of their standout initiatives is an on-site water filtration system, which not only eliminates the need for bottled water but also supports a cause close to their hearts.
“The proceeds from our water sales go to Great Ormond Street Hospital, and our guests have raised over £21,000 so far,” Jack told Your Local Guardian.
Their sustainable practices recently earned them a national accolade, a recognition that Jack and his team did not expect.
“We watched it live on the app,” Jack recalled, "they didn’t expect to win, but the support and messages we’ve received from our customers and on social media have been fantastic.
"The most important thing for us is to be the best pub in Clapham, and sustainability is what’s driving us in the background.”
Running a business with such a strong commitment to sustainability can be challenging, but Jack believes it’s worth the effort.
He said: “It’s about making the operation of the pub the priority and having good people around you make it much easier.
"Whenever a new challenge comes up, we ask, ‘Is this the most sustainable way to handle it?’”
As The Pig’s Head continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to being a pub that locals love while setting a standard for sustainability in the industry.
For Jack, the real reward is the recognition from the community and the positive feedback they receive.
“We try not to shove sustainability down people’s throats,” he says.
“There’s no point in being the most sustainable pub in the country if you're not a great pub.
"When people recognise us for both, it’s hugely rewarding because it validates all the hard work, we've put in.”
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