• I WAS pleased to read John Gulliver on the reopened Duke of St Albans pub, Highgate, and commend the diligence of the regular who saved the original fixtures and fittings after they were removed.

Traditional pubs with a safe and welcoming atmosphere have become a rarity due to the smoking ban, lockdown, and ongoing increases to the cost of living. So the Duke has an opportunity to become a valued community hub which locals should support, regardless of whether they drink alcohol.

Another example of making a difference in the community is the King Charles I at King’s Cross, known to serve high quality drinks while maintaining a safe space for all, including LGBT+ people. Few would disagree with its policy statement: “We operate a strict no w*****s policy!”

KJ CAVENDISH, SE21