Faucet Inn shelves plan to buy iconic gay pub

Faucet Inn has pulled out of talks to takeover iconic Lambeth pub the Royal Vauxhall Tavern – a move that has been welcomed by campaigners.

Faucet Inn managing director Steve Cox said the group was no longer proceeding with plans to take over the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.

He added: “It was only something that we were having initial conversations with the vendors on.”

Battle to save the site

Campaigner Rob Holley aired his concerns about the pub being sold and added the campaign group, RVT Future, will keep battling to save the pub.

He said: “While we are delighted that Steve Cox has changed his mind about the purchase of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, we are still concerned that Christie & Co are quietly selling the pub, knowing that the asset of community value (ACV) status hasn’t been activated.

“ACV status is designed to protect community spaces for generations to come and it would be unacceptable for this legislation to be undermined.

“RVT Future will continue to establish a community benefit society and we are confident we can complete the UK’s largest ever community buyout and bring the RVT into community ownership.”

Another iconic gay pub

The Morning Advertiser contacted Christie & Co but the property agent refused to comment on the pub.

In a similar case, campaigners announced it will issue a revised business plan in a bid to reopen ‘vital’ Camden pub the Black Cap.

The Black Cap Foundation has not yet revealed details of the revised plan but it will be given to the local council once finalised at the end of this month (February).