Drummond Street: Business Open as Usual

Plans for HS2 Ltd’s high-speed railway have been underway since 2009. In 2013 the government confirmed a rail route that would impact the traders of Drummond Street and in 2017 royal assent for HS2 was granted. In this short film, Pasquale Brizzi, owner of Brizzi’s Restaurant, and Mohammed Salique of Diwana explain the difficulties the street faces as construction for the new rail line begins. During filming, I had lots of friendly chats with the HS2 construction and security workers, many of whom dine at Drummond Street restaurants like Brizzi’s and Diwana every day. Though they weren’t able to give an interview, the workers were keen to express their distaste for the HS2 administration. As one worker confided to me over their breakfast, “all this damage just to get to Birmingham half an hour earlier? Doesn’t make sense to me.”

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The film highlights the traders' struggle with HS2 but fails to emphasise that Drummond Street is still "alive and kicking", as Mohammed Salique says! The best way to support the Drummond Street Traders Association is eat at as many of the local, independent businesses around Euston as you can.