Recent research from CAMRA has suggested that as many as 56 pubs are closing down each month across the UK and this affects both rural and urban areas. CAMRA helps communities fighting to save their local pub and many communities have succeeded in saving their local and defeating demolition or unwelcome development.
Duke of Hamilton,Hampstead
John Cryne of CAMRA North London reports that the owners of the three times winner of CAMRA North London’s Pub of the Year competition, the Duke of Hamilton, New End, Hampstead, NW3 1JD have now submitted formal planning applications to Camden Council to convert the pub into two private dwellings.
The first application [2010/1923/C] was filed on 28 May for the demolition of a single story extension at ground floor level - the toilet block. The second and more substantial [2010/1901/P] was filed on 1 June for conversion to residential after the previously mentioned demolition.
CAMRA is asking people to write to Camden Council and object which you can do on-line before the end of June by clicking the application numbers above and then clicking the "Add Comments Here" link. It is also possible to write to them via this link tinyurl.com/32pre6b.
You don’t have to be a Camden resident to post your objections. If you use the pub or have visited at some time then you have the right to object. Indeed, even if you have never used the pub, the fact that we are losing a pub a day across the country means that somewhere a line has to be drawn in the sand. So we can all object!
For more details on how you can help go to www.savetheduke.com.
Rose & Crown Halsted
The longstanding manager, Bob, has been given notice to quit of just 3 weeks by the Owner. The details are a bit sketchy at the moment, but it appears the Owner wishes to change the pubs direction, whatever that means. We am concerned that it could mean the conversion of the pub and or the loss of the pubs focus on real ale.
To show support for the current Manager the West Kent CAMRA Branch are bringing forward the presentation of our runner-up POTY certificate to next Saturday and would like to extend an invitation to your branch to join us in supporting the current way the pub is run.
Beacon, Farleigh Avenue, Hayes
The Beacon, 18 Farleigh Avenue, Hayes, is due to close on 22nd June 2010. We are told that this pub, previously owned by Punch Taverns, has been sold to a property developer, who will no doubt plan to demolish it and replace it with yet another block of flats. Is it too late to save it? Can any of our members living in the borough of Bromley make some enquiries of the Council and let us know what is the state of play? The pub serves one real ale, Fuller's London Pride.
The Baring Hall Hotel
The Baring Hall Hotel, Grove Park, SE12, has closed following a fire in August 2009. Rumour has it that a property developer may be intending to demolish it and replace it with a block of flats. It's a grand old building and it should be retained. News Shopper article following the Fire.
Royal George, Greenwich
We regrat to inform you that a planning application to demolish the The Royal George, a Community Shepherd Neame Pub on Blisset Street in Greenwich has been approved. Mostyn Lewis has written an article in the april/may London Drinker on "The Loss of the Royal George"