Barserve have hosted a range of community groups since June 2023 at their two stunning bars situated close to Tower Bridge as part of Summer By the River.

Over a hundred lunches and drinks have been served to community groups including, Britebox, Bubble Theatre, Beyond Food, Saving Souls, Poppy Appeal Bermondsey and Rotherhithe, Cop Community, Maintaining Health Partnership, Standards, South London Cares, Outings in Art, and One Southwark.

Barserve have been working with London Bridge City on initiatives to engage with local community, building partnerships to encourage residents to enjoy the activities on offer. The Summer By The River programme provides an entertainment and social hub for office occupiers, local community groups and schools, as well as Londoners and inquisitive tourists to grab a refreshment whilst soaking up the atmosphere with iconic views of Tower Bridge.

Ivor Wilkins, Barserve CEO, commented, “The free lunch and drinks have been a great success with over a hundred local people so far coming to visit the area alongside local business and tourists. The idea was simple, give something back to the local community. Community groups have used these dines as a chance to reward volunteers, celebrate success or just as a fun gathering for regulars and members of their group.”

With a few more lunches to host until the end of August he continues, “I believed it was essential to liaise with community, schools, charities, and social groups within the area and offer them an opportunity to get involved. It has been a real joy to have these guests then indulge in the range of activities taking place at Summer By The River such as, live music, dance and outdoor film and sports screenings. I am hoping we can do this again at Christmas”.

One of the first groups to attend, Beyond Food, a charity providing life-changing opportunities through workshops and training in catering and food service. They arranged a concert in The Scoop which raised £2,000 and Barserve offered work experience to some of its participants.

Simon Boyle Chef, Founder and CEO Beyond Food – who are remarked, “I was delighted and very grateful to receive free lunches and fantastic work experience for some of our trainees earlier in July. The day was important to our charity as we held our own music festival at the Scoop. Ivor and his team made everyone feel at ease at lunch, making it even more special in the evening”.

Along with community groups, First Dates star Fred Sirieix joined serving drinks in June for a meet and greet as part of G-vine gin promotions. He chatted to the crowds, and offered some lucky people a selection of three different cocktails which were prepared at the Riverside Terrace bar.

Once Summer by the River ends, all the décor including the plants will be offered to local charities for fundraising and to enjoy a new home.