The Jam Pot is buzzing as pubs chief hails return of City folk

THE Jamaica Wine House off Cornhill has been serving City workers since 1652, more than 40 years before the nearby Bank of England was established.

- Michael Hunter

It has survived disasters including the Great Fire, the Blitz and, most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, more than two years after the last lockdown, even Fridays are back. Around 300 pints are being poured every Friday afternoon at this historic watering hole, known to loyal regulars as the Jam Pot and famed for its speedy service. Thirsty office staff are sending end-of-the-week trade back to where it was before the pandemic.

The recovery helped the pub’s owner, Shepherd Neame, report record revenue this week. Sales at the brewer’s 40 premises within the M25 soared by over 30% in the year to June 24, compared with about 7% in the wider South-East.

Britain’s oldest brewer hailed the return of office workers after the pandemic, as well as a surge in tourist numbers in the West End.