Farage's favourite London pub saved

By Emily Sutherland

- Last updated on GMT

Shepherd Neame Westminster Arms saved by Farage
The future of a prominent London pub, the Westminster Arms, a favourite among MPs, is looking brighter after luxury developers amended plans that could have forced the pub to close.

Locals and campaigners including UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage became concerned for the pub’s future after a planning application was made to turn its basement, which is home to a profitable wine bar, into flats.

In a statement, developers GM Investment Trustees said: “On the basis of the revised scheme, which retains the wine bar at basement level, the proposed development is no longer considered to pose a threat to the viability of the Westminster Arms.”

The pub’s owner Shepherd Neame had previously told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser​ that they had submitted their concerns about the planning application to Westminster council and were ‘very grateful for the fantastic level of support shown by our regulars.’

A campaign run by Westminster Arm’s regular Raheem Kassam attracted widespread support, with hundreds submitting their objections to the plans to Westminster council.

Bill Clinton, Angelina Jolie and Desmond Tutu are among the famous faces said to have enjoyed a pint at the pub. 

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