Anthony Gunson is the pub owner of the local pub and restaurant in Clapham, The King and Co. The pub has been going really well since its launch in September last year and Mr Gunson is thrilled over the reviews and feedback from the public.

It is a sunny morning in Clapham and Mr Gunson is preparing for the day behind the bar. He says that everyday is busy for him these days. “There is so much more to it than you would think to run a pub”. Anthony Gunson is the 30-year-old owner of the recently launched pub The King and Co and also lives upstairs of the pub.

“I have worked at the pub since its launch in September last year and have lived upstairs of it during that time. I have really grown to love it, since it is both my home and my work. So it was just devastating with everything that happened last week.”

Mr Gunson is referring to the fire that happened last week where The King and Co was one of the two local restaurants that had their outside decks set on fire by an unknown man. “I am starting to recover from the incident and now it is just about getting back the pub’s deck to its previous condition.”

Fortunately the police caught the suspect of the fire as Mr Gunson himself spotted him walking outside the pub. “You would think that these things would bring you down but actually I am just really happy about all the help and kindness we have received from the community. Even though was really scary what happened it hasn’t changed my perception about Clapham. Crimes happen everywhere so I’m not going to let this get to me.”

The King and Co is a busy and popular pub in Clapham and Anthony is keen on getting the pub’s deck cleaned up and ready for spring. “It has been going really well since its launch and people in the are really enjoy themselves here. I think it’s the balanced combination of a rustic and “homie” feeling that the pub has, but with an interesting and modern menu. I am really overwhelmed with the great response”

The pub is only a few months old but seems to attract all kinds of ages with its focus on “craft beer” and quality food. Anthony Gunson explains that this is his craftsmanship and what he is truly passionate about.

The people in Clapham seems to not be the only ones who love The Kings and Co. Time Out gave them outstanding reviews after its launch and describes the place as “something for hop-loving hipsters and Clapham Commoners alike at his laid-back beer bar.”

Anthony has an infectious spirit and enthusiasm when he talks about his work but he also says it can be challenging at times. “Of course, when you are living upstairs of your workplace you never really “clock off”. There are times when I lay awake at night going over something that I have to do for work and it just ends up with me going down to the pub and trying to sort it out.”

Anthony does not only enjoy working in Clapham but loves the neighborhood he lives in. “The location is great, since it is away from the main drag of Clapham Common but still walking distance. It is a nice street because of the other good restaurants as well.”

Anthony says the people of Clapham are the best, that is the main reason he loves living here. “Everyone here always helps each other out and sticks together. I love the sense of a community. Until the fire accident last week I have never really felt unsafe here. Even though I have encountered drunk and sometimes rude people during my time at the pub, it has never been threatening. And so many people called that night trying to help out when the fire happened. I really appreciated that.“