After suddenly, unexpectedly and shockingly closing a few weeks ago, one of East London's most popular – and influential – wine bars will attempt to pull off an equally swift comeback. The (former? Present? Future?) manager of P.Franco has launched a crowdfunding campaign in the hopes of re-opening.
A few weeks back, P.Franco and its siblings Bright and Noble Fine Liquor suddenly closed up shop. One man isn't willing to go quietly into the night, however. William Gee, manager of P.Franco, the wine bar that helped spearhead the natural wine boom in London, has launched a crowdfunder to raise £30,000 by 27 April. The funds will be used to purchase new equipment, re-stock the shelves, take care of admin, fix a few things around the place, and pay the rent.
Gee, whose noble attempt has also been approved by P.Franco's previous owner, says this about his decision: “P.Franco has been more than just a wine bar. It's been an international meeting place for wine makers, drinkers and lovers since 2014. Over time it evolved into a space not just to drink. With a list of some of the best chefs cooking here, it's been a place of exploration and discovery for the city's food scene. It has been, in my opinion, a creatively vital platform and I hope to keep it this way.”
If you wish to support the crowdfunding campaign, you can donate here.