Prince William calls for protecting British pubs in London

Prince William called for the protection of British pubs during a visit to a community pub in south London on Wednesday, highlighting their role as vital social hubs amid a wave of permanent closures across the country. The Prince of Wales made the comments during a surprise visit to The Prince of Peckham in Peckham, southeast London.

During the visit, William pulled a pint of Red Stripe lager under the guidance of the pub's owner, Clement Ogbonnaya, and declared his effort "pretty good" and "definitely drinkable" to applause from onlookers. He later sampled jerk chicken with plantain, which he said "blew my mind," joking that he hoped a delivery service could bring the dish to Windsor.

The prince's tour focused on the pub's community initiatives, particularly its weekly "Chatty Patty" breakfast club, which offers free tea and conversation to tackle loneliness. William told attendees he loves pubs and wants to support them because he loves the community. He described pubs as "the glue and fabric" of a local area and a crucial place for human contact, stating, "We need to protect our pubs."

Owner Clement Ogbonnaya, who was made an MBE in the New Year Honours for his community...