A petition is being raised asking Lewisham Council to compulsorily purchase the handsome Grade II-listed Baring Hall Hotel in Grove Park (SE12 0DU). The pub, formerly operated by Antic until it closed during the pandemic in 2020, is of historic significance as an early example of the ‘improved public house’ dating from the 19th century. It has already been listed as an Asset of Community Value but it is now neglected and deteriorating.
Local people want their pub back, playing a vital social and economic role in the life of their community. The freehold is owned by a company called Baring Hall Property LLP. The petition can be found on the Lewisham Council website . The closing date is 25 August. You need to register to sign it. When last checked, there had been 506 signatures.
The Grade II* listed Black Lion in Kilburn (NW6 2BY), now operated by London Village Inns, has reopened after what they called a ‘wash and brush up’. This includes the installation of handpumps which heralds the return of cask beer after some years. The pub is also listed by CAMRA as having an historic pub interior of national importance.
Shortly after being included on a London Pubs Group tour (see page 26), the Builders Arms in Teddington (TW11 9AS) closed without notice. This back street two room Edwardian corner pub, which has an historic interior of regional importance, was independently owned and operated. We will report further.
In mid-June, Greene King reopened the Cornerstone, in the Rotunda Centre, Kingston (KT1 1QJ), after a refurbishment reported to have cost £200,000. It was previously a Hungry Horse outlet and had been closed since 2020. It now offers ‘classic pub grub’ and has a sports area (American shuffleboards, smart darts and pool) and a beer garden. There will also be regular live music and quiz nights. This might not appeal to everybody but the investment itself is a welcome sign.
The Hand & Flower in Ham (TW10 5LA) had its licence revoked in November 2021 and, in the following April, it was repossessed by owners Stonegate. In June, Stonegate successfully applied to Richmond Council for the grant of a new premises licence and they plan to reopen the pub later this year, hoping to turn it into a ‘benefit to the community rather than a burden’. They estimate that the pub, which dates from the 1800s, requires repairs and refurbishment costing some £100,000 but they appear happy to make the investment. It is reported that the local community will welcome its reopening
I’m sad to report that, after a long fight which has been mentioned on these pages, the Porcupine in Mottingham (SE9 4QW) has been demolished to make way for a supermarket. There had been a pub on the site since 1688 and the pub demolished was exactly 100 years old.