Pubs we've lost 2014-2015: The Grosvenor, Stockwell and the Canterbury Arms, Brixton

[editor]

This weekend I visited two venues, neither of which are likely to be around this time next year, and I find that rather sad.

On Friday night, I visited the Canterbury Arms, whose fine Victorian interior is destined to be smashed into a zillion pieces as developers look to profit from its central location and stick up a bland 9 storey block in its place.

On Saturday, I enjoyed a fine fundraising evening at the Grosvenor, another pub on deathwatch.

Although no firm plans have been announced, their purchase by Golfrate and the ongoing construction of a large block of lifestyle apartments directly opposite The Grosvenor makes it almost certain that it can't continue as a venue for lively music nights.

Even if it does live on as some sort of gastro-pub/wine bar, the bar that I've grown to love has gone forever, and that'll be a real loss to the community given the wide range of events that go on there.

Sad, isn't it?

 

[magneze]

The Grosvenor? Really? That's a real shame. It's a great pub.

 

[Pickman's model]

This weekend I visited two venues, neither of which are likely to be around this time next year, and I find that rather sad.

On Friday night, I visited the Canterbury Arms, whose fine Victorian interior is destined to be smashed into a zillion pieces as developers look to profit from its central location and stick up a bland 9 storey block in its place.

On Saturday, I enjoyed a fine fundraising evening at the Grosvenor, another pub on deathwatch.

Although no firm plans have been announced, their purchase by Golfrate and the ongoing construction of a large block of lifestyle apartments directly opposite The Grosvenor makes it almost certain that it can't continue as a venue for lively music nights.

Even if it does live on as some sort of gastro-pub/wine bar, the bar that I've grown to love has gone forever, and that'll be a real loss to the community given the wide range of events that go on there.

Sad, isn't it?

up near where i live, the mitre on downham road had a gorgeous victorian interior, somewhat shabby but nonetheless amazing. then some years ago it was turned into flats and the interior - and pub - lost. even if the canterbury survives, it'd be well worth getting some pictures of the interior - don't leave it, as i did with the mitre, until it's too late.

 

[clandestino]

Very very sad.

A personal loss for me as I do my club night at the Canterbury Arms and we have our New Year's Eve party at The Grosvenor. I'll miss them both dearly....but it's not over yet!

Photos of our night on Friday are here, if you fancy taking a look:
http://www.howdoesitfeel.co.uk/nov292013a.html

 

[Belushi]

I don't know the Canterbury Arms but the Grosvenor is a great place.

 

[editor]

I'm writing a longer piece about this for Brixton Buzz, but it's worth noting that it's not Golfrate to blame for the forthcoming changes at the Grosvenor but the gentrification of the area.

There's a big upmarket housing development being built right opposite the venue (and another proposed at the back), and the current landlord is convinced that there is no way his new, well heeled neighbours are going to put up with the noise, so he's getting out before the complaints and hassle start.

(See: Thinking of moving to vibrant Brixton but want a quiet life? Here. Read this. Thanks.)

 

[SarfLondoner]

Its very sad whats happening to the pubs and clubs in Brixton. The council were happy to issue late licenses(at a huge expense) to these bars which i believe have been used to attract the yuppies and as a selling point to newcomers. Now the gentrifaction is in full swing and money talks, lambeth no longer need the bars/clubs and will drive them out of buisness for more unaffordable housing. It Stinks.

 

[leanderman]

It's another example of why high house prices are bad for just about everyone.

Buildings are now more valuable in residential, rather than commercial, use.

Was surprised recently to see flats going up at 190 The Strand, a former office block.

It's happening all over London, with even foreign states selling off their embassies and moving out.

This art prank sums it up well:

http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/...en-and-dragsets-latest-art-prank-8844641.html

 

[SarfLondoner]

It's another example of why high house prices are bad for just about everyone.

Buildings are now more valuable in residential, rather than commercial, use.

Was surprised recently to see flats going up at 190 The Strand, a former office block.

It's happening all over London, with even foreign states selling off their embassies and moving out.

This art prank sums it up well:

http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/...en-and-dragsets-latest-art-prank-8844641.html

seeing schools turned into flats is worrying too.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

I'm writing a longer piece about this for Brixton Buzz, but it's worth noting that it's not Golfrate to blame for the forthcoming changes at the Grosvenor but the gentrification of the area.

There's a big upmarket housing development being built right opposite the venue (and another proposed at the back), and the current landlord is convinced that there is no way his new, well heeled neighbours are going to put up with the noise, so he's getting out before the complaints and hassle start.

I've had similar conversations with J about this. Didn't realise he was going to pack it in though - will someone else be able to take the lease on?

 

[han]

Depends if it stays a pub... and it wouldn't be the same without J.

So many people are going to be affected by the closing of the Grosvenor - the centre of the punk scene in S London and certainly of the folk scene in SW London.

Gutting. I can understand J's reasons for wanting to move on though - staying is too risky. End on a high, eh? We'll have to give it an amazing send off..... plans are afoot on that front.

 

[Mr Retro]

This weekend I visited two venues, neither of which are likely to be around this time next year ....

On Friday night, I visited the Canterbury Arms, whose fine Victorian interior is destined to be smashed into a zillion pieces as developers look to profit from its central location and stick up a bland 9 storey block in its place.

On Saturday, I enjoyed a fine fundraising evening at the Grosvenor, another pub on deathwatch.

....

Sad, isn't it?

Yes. Sad and a little depressing that another bit of colour will fade out of a great part of London.

 

[clandestino]

Depends if it stays a pub... and it wouldn't be the same without J.

So many people are going to be affected by the closing of the Grosvenor - the centre of the punk scene in S London and certainly of the folk scene in SW London.

Gutting. I can understand J's reasons for wanting to move on though - staying is too risky. End on a high, eh? We'll have to give it an amazing send off..... plans are afoot on that front.

Such a fantastic pub, with the kind of spirit that you can't manufacture. I'm very proud to have hosted some nights there.

 

[clandestino]

An excellent piece about a community space in Wapping closing after new arrivals complain about the noise. Wasn't sure where to put it as it's relevant to several threads in the Brixton forum, but here's as good a place as any...

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/dec/01/wapping-project-house-prices-culture

 

[editor]

Thirty people are likely to lose their jobs because of those cowardly new arrival scum.

 

[leanderman]

An excellent piece about a community space in Wapping closing after new arrivals complain about the noise. Wasn't sure where to put it as it's relevant to several threads in the Brixton forum, but here's as good a place as any...

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/dec/01/wapping-project-house-prices-culture

That's shocking. I lived in Wapping for a year, 1999-2000, then nearby, and loved that place.

 

[Winot]

Wanted to go there for ages but never made it. Now it's too late - what a shame.

I'm sceptical that a few complainants could force the place to close however.

 

[boohoo]

It is very sad to lose the Canterbury arms. Although it'll be sad to lose the Grosvenor as it is, I do hope that it remains a pub. The increase in residents in that area will be huge so spaces like pubs are most welcome.

 

[Dan U]

An excellent piece about a community space in Wapping closing after new arrivals complain about the noise. Wasn't sure where to put it as it's relevant to several threads in the Brixton forum, but here's as good a place as any...

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/dec/01/wapping-project-house-prices-culture

I've moved from South London to a village, next to an old church. This is the equivalent of me trying to get the bellringers on a Tuesday night noise abated because they make it hard to get my kid to sleep. or complaining about the parking when a wedding or funeral is on. twats.

sometimes i wish they would learn a new tune, mind.

never been to the Grovesner, which seems a shame in retrospect, always enjoyed nights at the Canterbury.

 

[DJWrongspeed]

I was reading the blurb about the new flats opposite. No mention of the Grovesnor in the publicity surprisingly! Mind you with a 1bed flat costing £313+ and a £110 mth service charge the new residents will certainly be well off. I wonder if any of them will actually live there to be annoyed with the pub.

 

[Plumdaff]

Losing the Grosvenor would be a huge blow for South London and terrible for Stockwell. One of my all time favourites. Makes me angry that such an important part of the local culture makes way for fucking flats but hey, that's London these days.

 

[se5]

Is it worth trying to get them listed as Assets of Community Value?

As I understand it whilst this ultimately wont stop them being redeveloped it puts another hurdle in the way of property developers and gives local people a period of time to come forward with a better plan than closure - theres info on the Camra website http://www.camra.org.uk/listyourlocal

 

[editor]

I've added a new piece on Brixton Buzz about the Grosvenor after talking to the landlord.

 

[cuppa tee]

Depressing times, another thing about the Grosvenor is that it stil has a number of local regulars who use it for a chat and a pint or three and if it changes to cater for a younger, more affluent and trendier clientele they will probably not fit in anymore, I think this type of homogenisation is detrimental to a diverse community. An example I can make is about 18 months back and a family fun day is taking place on mostyn gardens before it was levelled and turned into a development, the day begins with a football tournament for kids and bouncy castles and food stalls are in attendance, later a sound system cranks up, from the distance you can hear bass lines and some toasting, as I pass by a red faced twentysomething incomer is moving fast towards the party dragging her embarrassed bf along, and then I see them coming back with her cussing " some people are so fuking selfish" when they are a safe distance away out comes a mobile and within minutes there are blue lights sirens and a rapid end to the family fun day, it is 7.30 in the evening, I am struck by the fact that the event was due to end at 8 anyway but her personal mission against "selfish people" ended a party being enjoyed by perhaps 200.

 

[clandestino]

That is so depressing.

 

[clandestino]

Like that piece on Brixton recently, where a new Rushcroft Road resident was asked why they moved to the street and the reply was: "It's near the tube." I was shocked by that. Nothing at all about the area, all that's important is the tube.

 

[SarfLondoner]

Like that piece on Brixton recently, where a new Rushcroft Road resident was asked why they moved to the street and the reply was: "It's near the tube." I was shocked by that. Nothing at all about the area, all that's important is the tube.

Translated it means they couldnt afford clapham or dulwich.

 

[boohoo]

I think that would be my partner's answer about where he lives. He always wants to be near a tube (although we don't live anywhere near one at the mo!)

 

[leanderman]

Like that piece on Brixton recently, where a new Rushcroft Road resident was asked why they moved to the street and the reply was: "It's near the tube." I was shocked by that. Nothing at all about the area, all that's important is the tube.

How dare someone want to live next to a Tube!

 

[cuppa tee]

How dare someone want to live next to a Tube!

I think the quote in Clandestino's post illustrates a bad attitude if that is the main reason for settling in an area because it shows a desire to get in and out of an area as quick and easy as possible
rather than appreciation of the area for what it is.