BLACK LION, KILBURN
This Grade II-listed pub has now reopened after refurbishment. See Christine Cryne’s article for more details.
FALCON, CLAPHAM JUNCTION
This Nicholson’s (Mitchells & Butlers) pub, dating from 1887, is famous for having the longest bar counter in Britain at 125 ft. It is Grade II listed and in July M&B obtained listed building consent for some works to the pub’s interior. These appeared primarily to be undoing previous works carried out in 2014 and offered no cause for concern. It is understood that the works have already been completed.
TIPPERARY, FLEET STREET
Some concern was caused recently by the appearance of some legal notices fixed to the property. These were served by bailiffs acting for the owners in an attempt to remove some squatters who had moved into the upper floors. They did not relate to the future of the pub as such. The City of London’s Planning Enforcement team have visited, along with the City of London police, and are monitoring the situation. The famous mirrors are still there and undamaged. It is unlikely that demolition of the pub will be permitted but, in the current climate, there must be a question as to whether it reopens as a pub.
RARE OPPORTUNITY
Please see the advert for the Wandsworth Common Beer Festival. This is organised by Mark Justin, the proprietor of the Le Gothique bar and restaurant which is part of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building. This magnificent Grade II-listed building in the neo-gothic style opened in 1859 as an orphanage for the daughters of servicemen killed in the Crimea. It has had many uses since then and, following restoration in 1987, is now used as arts space and offices. Its Great Hall is rarely available to the public but Mark has persuaded the owners to let him use it as additional seating and music performance space for his festival. It is truly worth seeing.
