Admiral Mann
"We just want our pub back" - campaigners plead for rescue of beloved local
The Admiral Mann, in Kentish Town, was shut in the summer of 2014 after being purchased by property developers Woodham Properties.
Admiral Mann campaign coordinator Richard Lewis said: “We are resolute about preventing inappropriate development on this Victorian community pub. I cannot express how passionate the community is over this, even more than two years after the pub's closure.
“We have benefited from support from across the political spectrum and Camden Council have also nailed their colours to the mast over this.
“We just need the final piece of the puzzle, namely somebody to come and open the pub.”
‘Inappropriate development’
Shortly before the pub’s closure the campaign group was founded and asset of community value (ACV) status was secured, which prevented the site from being demolished in the short term.
After Woodham's planning applications were turned down by Camden council, a public planning inquiry took place in September, which saw the site’s owner and architects challenge the council’s decision not to allow development.
Last month Government planning inspector Andrew Owen ruled in the council’s favour and overturned Woodman Properties’ proposal to create a lock-up bar with flats located above.
A spokesperson from Woodham Properties was not available for comment.
‘We just want our pub back’
Lewis added: “There has been no official response from the developers, so campaigners have seized the initiative by opening communication with them to find an amicable solution to reopen the pub.”
He said: “So far we haven't heard of any specific pub operators expressing interest in the pub. That said, I am pretty sure they would have got in touch with our group to ask about the pub, given our profile on social media.”
“We have discussed the idea of a cooperatively run community-led pub. The trouble is we all have jobs and busy lives and so we would still require outside assistance. We just want our pub back really; all options are open.”
You can visit the campaign’s Facebook page here.
