Pub unaware of sale

A licensee was shocked to read a newspaper article stating her pub had been sold and was due to be converted into a synagogue.

Ellen McLean, manager of the Swan, in Clapton, East London, only found out about the potential deal when she spotted an article in the Jewish Chronicle. It incorrectly stated the pub had already been sold to the Stamford Hill Bobov Jewish community for £1m.

Ellen, who has managed the 250-year-old pub for seven years, contacted landlord Punch Taverns and was told negotiations were ongoing but were subject to a confidentiality agreement.

"It's all very up in the air at the moment" she said. "Punch Taverns are saying that they are still considering the offer, so all we can really do is rally support for the pub in the local community.

"We are being accused of being racist for not wanting the sale to go through, but we just don't want the pub to be sold to anybody."

A community action team has been set up and is currently trying to raise the money to save the pub.

The Save the Swan community action team is holding a series of fundraising events in a bid to raise the money needed to save their local.

Committee member Sasha Johnson said: "There is a combination of anger, upset and confusion circulating at the moment, but we think we can save the pub.

"Punch Taverns and the people trying to buy it don't realise what they are up against."

If successful in their bid, the Charedi Bobov - an Orthodox community led by Rabbi Ephraim Padwa - plan to convert the pub into a synagogue with meeting rooms able to hold 150 people.

As well as over 100 patrons, the pub is also home to Hackney Rugby Club and Lea Rowing Club

A Punch Taverns spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Punch Taverns has received a private approach for the Swan on Clapton Common but it is important to stress that no deal has been completed. Any reports to the contrary are premature.

"We are obviously unable to divulge the other party involved due to confidentiality. We are taking the comments from local residents into full consideration."

For more information visit www.savetheswan.com