A series of cheeky new pub signs has been unveiled to help support the hospitality industry through the cost-of-living crisis – featuring the likes of model Jodie Kidd posing NAKED.
The eleven-piece collection also includes a bawdy illustration of a batsman sparing his blushes with a strategically-placed cricket bat, created by artist Reuben Dangoor for “The Cricketers” pub.
And a new portrait of HRH King Charles, by Australian artist Heath Kane, has also been unveiled ahead of the coronation in May, to be displayed outside “The King’s Head” pub.
The nude pub signs, which leave little to the imagination, come as data from Hospitality Action revealed that the charity has seen a 29% increase in applications for financial support from the industry compared to last year.
And over half of Brits (55%) say they would like to see the Government doing more to support the hospitality industry.
The pub signs are now available for online auction, and prints of each are also available to buy – with all profits being donated to Hospitality Action to assist pubs with rising energy bills.
Funds raised by the collection, inspired by Stella Artois Unfiltered, will also see up to £50,000 donated in matched funds by the lager brand.
(Image: Stella Artois)
Jodie Kidd, who bought The Half Moon pub in Kirdford, West Sussex, in 2017, said: “As a landlord myself, I’m very aware of the struggles that pubs and the whole of the hospitality industry are facing.
“My pub is fittingly called The Half Moon, and I can’t wait to see the new sign in all its glory – all for a good cause.”
The lager brand also commissioned research which revealed that pubs are still at the heart of the community for 55% of Brits.
In the poll of 2,000 adults, 77% said it is “sad to see” so many nearby watering holes closing down in recent years.
More than four in ten (43%) think pubs can be a lifeline for members of their community, and 42% feel they are a great place for everyone to come together.
But with so many struggling, one in three pop in to do their bit to keep their local afloat.
(Image: Stella Artois)
Meg Chadwick, from Stella Artois, said: “As a brand committed to tackling big issues within our communities, we wanted to offer our support to pubs during this challenging time.
“As bastions of British culture, pubs deserve to be valued as much as any piece of art hanging in a gallery, which is why we wanted to use this traditional medium – albeit with a cheeky twist – to support them.
“We want to raise as much money as possible, so art and pub lovers – buy nude art, help pubs.”
The research also revealed the memorable moments the nation has had in pubs, with 27% trying to impress someone on a first date in a free house.
One in four said new relationships blossomed over a drink, and 35% said the same of new friendships – while 12% even went on to marry someone they met at a nearby tavern.
It also emerged 41% think it is a rite of passage to watch significant cultural events in a pub.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
