◊ The Big Smoke Pub Co have converted their tenancy at the Bricklayers Arms in Hersham into a long lease. This, they say, strengthens their long-term commitment to the site and will enable further investment in the venue’s future. It is their seventh pub in Surrey and is quite close to the brewery. The freehold is owned by the Wellington Pub Company. The pub had previously been run by the same landlord for 42 years.
◊ One of the few pubs disposed of by Wetherspoons in 2023 that has not remained a pub is the Capitol in Forest Hill. Lewisham Council have now approved a planning application for this historic former cinema to be converted into a children’s indoor soft play centre. The proposal was supported by the Theatre Trust who felt that this would be a good way of returning the Grade II-listed building to community use. Its stained‑glass windows, decorative plasterwork, original joinery and proscenium arch will be preserved.
◊ Congratulations to Stephen and Maryann O’Connor of the Green Goddess in Blackheath who have won the ‘best independent beer bar or pub in a city’ award at the 2026 SIBA Business Awards. The pub is a converted Barclays Bank branch. It is planned that the pub, which is very much a community hub, will become the home of the Common Rioters brewery. The equipment has been delivered and installation is in progress.
◊ The former Tooting Tram & Social is one of the last of the pubs included in the Antic Collective administration in early 2025 to be disposed of. It has now become the House of ORA, a community cultural space and music venue.
◊ The Mother Red Cap in Archway closed in 2024 when the then landlord retired and it has been empty and boarded up ever since. The pub dates back to 1871 and is locally listed, with some original tiling. The freehold is understood to be owned by Star Pubs & Bars (Heineken). The boarding has now been removed and the Ham & High local newspaper reports that the owners had been contacted and that the pub is being renovated and will ‘definitely return as a pub’.
◊ The Orange Tree in Winchmore Hill closed in February when the long-term licensees retired. This large traditional pub, standing by the New River, has frequently appeared in the Good Beer Guide and is a former CAMRA branch pub of the year (Enfield & Barnet). It was originally a Taylor Walker house and still displays their sign. Worryingly, it is up for sale and is described as a ‘former pub with significant potential for residential conversion and new build’.
◊ The Talbot in Acton closed at the end of 2023. This three storey Victorian estate pub retains some heritage, with windows etched with Mann, Crossman & Paulin brewery signs. Although not listed, it is acknowledged as being a ‘locally recognised landmark’. There are now development plans to extend the roof to provide nine residential units but with the pub retained. Inevitably, there are always doubts over such projects. Upstairs had previously provided hostel accommodation.
◊ The Victory in East Dulwich, having spent the last 26 years as Franklin’s restaurant, has now reopened as a pub under its original name. It is being operated by a local restauranteur, supported by a group of locals.
◊ The Wellington Arms in Watford is under threat. The owners have applied to Watford Borough Council for permission to demolish the pub and replace it with eight residential units and a Class E commercial unit on the ground floor. Class E would rule out any sort of replacement pub or bar. As usual, the developers are claiming that the pub is not viable but the local CAMRA branch, Watford & District, do not agree and believe that it does not comply with Watford Local Plan paragraph 12.10, which requires valued community facilities like pubs to be protected. There are also possible issues over the marketing and advertising of the pub. The branch has encouraged local people to register their objections. The closing date was 1 May. Fingers crossed.