Inside London’s first energy saving pub where punters can cycle and sip

I can tick two things off my list of things I’ve never done before – pouring a pint and ride a bike while drinking it.

I achieved both of these objectives today at the pop-up 55K Tonnes pub (regulars will know it as The Speaker in the centre of Westminster).

My tipple of choice was Swell, brewed in Gipsy Hill, south London, and I have to admit that my pouring technique wasn’t the best – there was more head than liquid.

With a bit of help from the manager Tom Harland, my second attempt was more successful.

But if that didn’t make me feel stupid enough, I then had to get onto a bike to create electricity to power my phone, which was on 6 per cent.

The whole point of this exercise? Well, it was to see what a carbon-negative pint would taste like.

The Swell that I managed not to spill while pedalling was splendid.

The PR stunt a celebration that 55,000 tonnes of air pollution had saved by passengers choosing Uber Green.

A phone charging bike wasn’t the only gimmick on offer at the 55K Tonnes pub – there’s also Pavegen flooring, which turns footsteps into kinetic energy.

The theory is that the flooring can be used across the entire building so drinkers are producing energy without even knowing.

My pint safely on a table, I took a couple of strides and some mild jumping to contribute my bit to the future carbon-negative world.

I asked a couple of other patrons what they thought of the experience.

Sam Salter said: ‘It was definitely something different. It was fun, though. I think the fact that the pub is good for the environment made me more inclined to visit.’

Sam’s partner, Dylan Salter, added: ‘I’m probably more of a pub guy than Sam, but it was more than a pub in there.

‘It was different and definitely a conversation starter I think.’

Bar manager Tom said he’d like to see more carbon-negative pubs being opened in the future.

He said: ‘Everyone should be moving towards carbon neutrality.

‘You still have to give people good products but if money is invested properly then carbon-neutral and carbon-negative pubs can only be a good thing.’

Uber UK’s General Manager, commented: ‘What better way to promote a dialogue on electrification in the UK than with a carbon-negative pub.

‘The opening of 55k Tonnes in Westminster showcases Uber’s commitment to sustainability in London and beyond.’

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