Film star pushing pubs (From Your Local Guardian)

Film star pushing pubs

11:40am Saturday 6th September 2008 in News By Paul Cahalan

A film star from Battersea is fronting a campaign to get more people into pubs.

Jason Flemyng - who co-owns the Duchess pub in Battersea and starred in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, is fronting the Love Your Local campaign - says pubs have had a bad press recently.

“Underage drinking, drunkenness, antisocial behaviour, violence. If you believed the stories it would make you wonder why anyone bothers going to their local?

“For that matter who would want to run one? Well me for a start. Because as is often the case the headlines don’t quite tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” he said.

“Everywhere you look in London there are locals that people want to frequent, establishments which are warm and welcoming, safe, and happen to serve a decent pint.

”I hope the Duchess falls into this category. When I was thinking of buying a pub I decided to stay close to home.

“Born and bred south of the river, I wanted a project as close to my own back yard as possible.

“And Sitting on Battersea Park Road – with views of the old power station to die for – the old girl was perfect.”

Until the end of September pub-goers have the chance to nominate their regular haunts in the Love Your Local competition, supported by Stella Artois.

After that a shortlist of 10 pubs across London will then get undercover visit from a judging panel to choose a winner - which will receive £5,000.

The Whistle and Flute in Putney has already been nominated.

• To vote for your favourite pub click here.