Today my team and I visited the Fatling in Hornchurch, at the invitation of Stonegate pubs, to meet landlady, Sandy. We discussed local issues such as the safety of the night time economy and Sandy's work with the Pubwatch group and Safer Neighbourhood Teams. We also talked about recruitment, energy prices and the investment Sandy and her team have made in the new winter canopy in the pub's outside area.

The government has introduced a substantial package of energy support for businesses to get people through the winter, alongside a freeze in alcohol duty and the extension of draught relief which we hope will help pubs deal with economic pressures. But the Fatling itself was in very good health and it was great to see such a thriving local business that works closely with the community.