A north London restaurant has raised more than £300 for a local food bank thanks to a cocktail inspired by the local community.

The Clock N8 in Crouch End created a cocktail before Christmas dedicated to the local community – or the ‘Crouchenders’ – who helped to keep the business going during the pandemic. The Crounchenders cocktail saw £5 from every sale donated to the Hornsey Food Bank, which provides meals for 400 people every week in the local area.

The cocktail was made from bourbon whiskey, rosemary syrup & lemon juice, and proved to be so popular in the run-up to Christmas that it has become a permanent fixture on the menu at the north London eatery.

Food banks in the UK have seen a huge increase over the past 18 months, following the pandemic and a hike in energy prices. One charity alone, The Trussell Trust, handed out 579,000 food parcels in just a six-month period last year.

Hornsey Food Bank volunteer Anne O’Daley said:

We’re delighted by the generosity of The Clock N8. The last 18 months have been a difficult period for our guests.

The Clock N8’s general manager Dijonis Xhindoli said:

The Crouch End community has been amazing during the pandemic – supporting us financially and emotionally. We wanted to honour the kindness of Crouchenders with our new cocktail and give back to the community by donating the profits to the Hornsey Food Bank.