Surviving isolation

Londoners have survived wars, plagues, fires and terrorism. We are resilient and pride ourselves on coming together in times of need, and this current period of uncertainty is no different. Although the city – and country – may be closed, individuals and companies that can do their bit continue to help those in need.

The hospitality industry has suffered terribly in the past couple of weeks but refuses to give up. There are reports up and down the country of restaurants, cafés and bars stepping up home deliveries and stocking household essentials. And with government relief on the way, companies will hopefully be able to help all staff and reopen when the time comes.

One of our favourites, Brewdog, is hosting an online bar every week, with quizzes, beer, music and a general spirit of community. The Scottish beer giant is also delivering school lunches to those in isolation and sending out free hand sanitiser to NHS Grampian for key workers. For more on how to join the online bar, check out @brewdogofficial on Instagram and look out for updates.

And if self isolation is driving you a bit crazy, Three Sheets London has launched a national delivery service for beer, wines and cocktails, so quarantine doesn’t have to be all bad.

Young Vegans, the amazing east London vegan pie shop, is working round the clock to make delicious pies to order online and bake at home. And vegan staple Temple of Seitan may be closed for the time being, but is donating the rest of its food stock to Homerton doctors and Streets Kitchen in Camden.

Another London institute, Crosstown Doughnuts, has started doing an artisan food box for delivery, packed with pantry essentials and of course everyone’s favourite doughnuts. It is also delivering to hospitals and anyone can donate to ‘#operationdoughnation’ on the company website.

Press London is offering delicious vegan healthy grocery deliveries with fresh sourdough from Gail’s Bakery and Deliciously Ella snacks. While these options might not be your usual choice, they offer a great service and might be quicker that the four-week wait at larger supermarkets.

And not to forget the all-important coffee fix, our faves at Grind are making sure everyone is kept caffeinated by delivering coffee pods and tins straight to your door.

Then there’s Joe Wicks, the body coach, who is doing a PE session every day at 9am. It’s aimed at kids, but anyone can join in or find other workouts on his website and YouTube channel.

Things might be a bit scary at the moment, and no one wants to be stuck inside. But these companies — and many more — are making a difference by helping not just the general public, but by supporting the NHS and key workers. So we can take great pride in the fact that Londoners are once again coming together to support each other and make sure the city rides out the hard times.