#SaveOurVenues: Help The Gryphon reach its fundraising target

#SaveOurVenues: Help The Gryphon reach its fundraising target

Posted on: 18 Aug 2020

The pub has a week remaining on a crowdfunding campaign set up to secure its future.

 

Renowned heavy metal pub and live venue The Gryphon is approaching the end of its crowdfunding campaign, launched in July to help safeguard the venue amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

 

Set up as part of the Music Venue Trust's nationwide push to #SaveOurVenues, the crowdfunder has so far raised just over half of its £20,000 target.

 

Owner John Ashby has appealed to supporters of the pub and the Bristol public to donate if they can, with contributions going towards essential maintenance work, the continued support of staff and the venue's eventual reopening.

The Gryphon owner, John Ashby, outside the pub in 2019.

Despite pubs getting the go-ahead from the government to open in early July, The Gryphon's doors remain firmly closed.

 

Sharing his decision in a post on Facebook, John explained that he believed it would have been irresponsible to open amid ongoing safety concerns.

 

"The safety of my household, the well-being of my staff, and making sure you folks aren’t put at unnecessary risk is paramount," he said.

 

"Staying at home, washing your hands, and wearing masks in public, are the simplest measures we can do to reduce risks to yourselves and others."

 

He went on to explain that, while The Gryphon is in a more comfortable position than many other venues across Bristol, the coronavirus outbreak has taken a huge financial toll, putting the pub's future in the balance.

 

 

Now, with a week left to run on The Gryphon's crowdfunding campaign, John has thanked those who have donated so far, adding that he's working towards a proposed October reopening.

 

"There's just over a week to go until our Crowdfunder draws to a close," he said. "Thank you so much to those of you that have made donations, it truly means the world.

 

"Every donation is heartwarming, knowing that you love and appreciate what we do here. We're still figuring things out, and our biggest concern is getting live music up and running again.

 

"Despite the latest easing of restrictions on indoor performances, it still doesn't make any of it safer or viable at the moment. The logistics of it all remain quite a headache!"

 

To support The Gryphon, or to follow news and updates on their eventual reopening, head to their Facebook page and donate to their crowdfunder.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.