Campaigners celebrate success in community asset bid for Brighton pub

The Rose Hill Tavern, in Brighton, was granted ACV status by the city council last week, despite Enterprise Inns being on the verge of selling the property to a mystery buyer. The pub ceased trading on 18 May.

ACV status gives community groups a six-month period to bid for the property before it can be turned into alternative use.

Rose Hill Tavern Action group member Richard James said the plan is to raise the £350,000 plus VAT needed to buy the property outright through a share scheme.

He explained: “We’ve currently got more than 500 signatures on an online petition, and Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas has also given her support.

“We will hold a public meeting where we can discuss the right way forward, and find out who would like to buy shares.” 

Local buyer​

Enterprise confirmed that it was in the process of completing a sale to a local buyer, “who has known throughout this process of the potential for the site to be granted ACV status”.

However, it did not currently have information on the intended future use of the site.

A spokesperson added that the pub was no longer a viable business – a claim disputed by James. 

He said: “Since the last tenant, Rachel Midgley, took over six months ago, the pub had been doing really well. It hosted cabaret nights, live music, and was always busy.

“Enterprise is just selling off pubs to make a quick buck because of its financial position. Brighton has lost five or six pubs this year alone, and most of them are Enterprise pubs.”

Pub conversion​

James said he would like to know what the prospective new owner plans to do with the property.

He explained: “The new owner can convert the pub into a café or restaurant, but not into accommodation without planning permission – which, again, the council will reject because of the pub’s Victorian green frontage.

“We’re keen to know what the new owner’s plans are, given that they will be aware the property has been listed as an ACV.”