Historic pub closing to make way for flats
The Royal Tavern Pavilion, commonly known as the Pav Tav, is one of Brighton’s oldest pubs, having been converted from a house in the early 19th century.
M&B told The Morning Advertiser the pub will reopen at some point because it is only the upstairs part of the building that is being converted into flats.
The pub’s website had said: “The Royal Pavilion Tavern will be permanently closing on 26 September. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
However, the website has now changed the message, explaining the pub will be shut while work is undertaken.
It said: “The Royal Pavilion Tavern will be closing its doors on 26 September while we undertake work on the upper floors of the building. Watch this space for what comes next. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Gary Goodbody also posted this message on the Brighton-Past Facebook page and called the closure “a very sad day”.
Fellow pub supporters voiced their concern on social media, reminiscing about times they had shared in the pub.
Absolutely gutted
Caroline Grant said: “Had some wonderful evenings back in the day, so sad.”
Another fan of the pub said they worked in a venue close to the pub and looked back on enjoyable times.
Adelle Repella Quinn said: “Absolutely gutted, loved it in there. It’s where my partner asked me to be his girlfriend and I have had too many good times in there with On The Rocks bar crawl.
“I used to work at the Font and sadly we knew it was going downhill for almost two years.”
However, one user had a mixed response to the closure news as he reflected on his experience at the pub, past and present.
Substantial investment
Mike Teague said: “A shame as that was a regular haunt in the 1980s where groups would meet up due to its location.
“I popped in there a couple of times this year for old times’ sake but immediately walked out again because they had no decent beers and what they did have available outnumbered the customers. Sorry to see it go but sadly, not surprised.”
A spokesperson for the Royal Pavilion Tavern outlined what the future held for the venue and the building work taking place.
They said: “Work is about the commence with substantial investment to create flats on the upper floors of the building and the business of the Royal Pavilion Tavern is required to temporarily close in order to facilitate this significant development.”
