Licensee Patsy Lord said she was told by the pub’s owner that the Carlton Tavern would be closed for an inventory but rushed to the site from her nearby home last Wednesday (8 April) after she was alerted it was being bulldozed.
According to local news reports the pub’s shell and all its contents, including a wide screen television, darts trophies, pictures and a pint glass left on a table, were all destroyed. A spokeswoman for Westminster City Council said just one side wall was left remaining.
She added: “The building’s demolition required the City Council’s prior approval and as no such approval was sought or obtained, the City Council will be seeking legal advice concerning whether any future action is legally possible.”
Councillor Jan Prendergast added: “I’m horrified for the local residents that this has occurred. It came as such a shock to everyone. There was no prior warning to the council, no approvals and no proper health and safety procedures in place.
“This was a lovely pub and I’m sorry to see it go, but I’m more concerned for the residents in Maida Vale for whom they showed no consideration whatsoever. It was the last building standing in Carlton vale after the WW2 bombings.
“I’ve lived in the area for 35 years and have never seen anything like this before. We need to take very careful legal advice as to what steps we can take.”
Historic England said it had intended to recommend the site for grade II listing after it was sold to developers CLTX last year.