Brixton licensee blames 'insatiable appetite' of London developers for closure in heartfelt open letter

The historic pub is set to be bulldozed to make way for a nine storey block of flats.

The pub has hosted the popular 'How Does it Feel to be Loved' indie night for a decade, and will be hosting it's final event this Friday (August 7).

In the letter, manager Brian Fitzgerald, who has run the pub for more than 20 years, said: “This closure reflects the insatiable appetite of property developers for back street corner sites that will be developed into flats for tenants who live in far off lands.

“Where will local people who want to be part of a community go to socialise? Over the years the Canterbury has celebrated weddings, christenings, birthdays and funerals from all cultures. There have been many club and music nights over the years, which have reflected the diverse communities which makes up the melting pot of Brixton.

“It is with extreme sorrow that we say goodbye to the pub that became home for me and my family for a very long period. To the many friends and acquaintances-it has been a pleasure to know and serve you, and even bar some of you on occasion.”

Soaring rents have led to spate of pub closures in the capital, with CAMRA reporting that London was one of the areas hardest hit by pub closures. 

The letter on facebook in full is below:

Dear friends,​

It is with extreme sadness that I announce the demise of ‘The Canterbury Arms’ Brixton.​

The bar will cease trading on the 5th September 2015, this closure reflects the insatiable appetite of property developers for backstreet corner sites that will be developed into flats for tenants who live in far off lands, and these developers call it progress which maybe so…​

But where do local people who want to be part of a community and their friends and relatives go to socialise. Over the years the Canterbury has celebrated weddings, christenings, birthdays, funerals and anniversaries from all cultures. There have been many club and music nights over the years, too many to mention, which have reflected the diverse communities which makes up the melting pot that Brixton personifies.​

In my tenure as manager of this venerable establishment, my wife Mary, daughters Michelle and Mary-Lisa and of course Eamon have come to know and respect the locals and felt part of the community. We have made many friends and a few enemies, but that is life. So it is with extreme sorrow that we say goodbye to the pub that became home for me and my family over a very long period.​

As I have said to the many friends and acquaintances who we have met over the years, through concerts at the academy, parties and celebrations – it has been a pleasure to know and serve you, even bar some of you on occasion.​

There will be a final night of celebration with the legendary Gerry who has DJ’d for the last 20 years here and who is a great friend on Saturday, 29th August – you are all welcome!​
Slán & Beannacht​

Brian, Mary, Michelle, Mary-Lisa & Eamon​