Gosnells Drinks, the Peckham-based maker of honey drinks, has acquired a second venue, taking over John the Unicorn from the Portobello Pub Group. Existing staff will be retained, as will the venue’s name.
Gosnells founder Tom Gosnell (left) with sales and marketing director Cameron McKenzie-Wilde
“It’s part of the fabric of Rye Lane,” said Gosnells founder Tom Gosnell. “We love how the unicorn — something mythical, unique, and just a bit unordinary — fits perfectly with Gosnells’ left-of-centre view of the world.
“We want to lean into what makes John the Unicorn iconic, while weaving in the Gosnells DNA — moments of unexpected delight, a bit of playfulness, and that feeling that you’ve stumbled into somewhere rare and prized.”
Managing director of the Portobello Pub Company, Richard Stringer, said: “We have loved our time with John the Unicorn, but it is exciting to see it gain a new lease of life with a truly locally rooted business.
“We have worked with Gosnells for several years and know that they will bring some fresh ideas and activities to JTU, and, of course, their wonderful honey nectars!
“We remain focused on our own extensive refurbishment programme, which continues over the next few weeks at No 32, in Clapham, and Westow House, in Crystal Palace.”
