A London pharmacy that can trace its roots back 200 years celebrated with a pavement party on September 18.

The Meacher Higgins & Thomas pharmacy in Crawford Street, London W1, has roots going back to 1814 and issued a general invitation to local residents, businesses and suppliers to come along to mark the event. Among those to accept the invitation was the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Audrey Lewis, and Dr Hesham Khalil, the Egyptian ambassador, and other embassy staff. Ghada Saleh, the pharmacist manager (see cover), is of Egyptian heritage and the pharmacy has strong links with the Egyptian community in London. Partygoers were able to see window displays showing historical pharmacy artefacts and enjoy light refreshments, including an anniversary cake.

The pharmacy was established by Thomas Meacher, who was later succeeded by one James Higgins. It predates the establishment of the Pharmaceutical Society in 1841. James Higgins was an orphan and was brought up on a farm in Montgomeryshire. From his time until 1997 each successive owner was of Welsh extraction. The pharmacy is now owned by Gist Health Ltd.

Ms Saleh said that she was delighted to be celebrating the anniversary of what was an important part of English heritage. Councillor Lewis said that keeping Westminster fit and healthy for two centuries was a special achievement.