The popular Tulse Hill pub could be closing
Just two years after Queen of the South first opened its doors, the pub, which has since become a community hub for music, food and culture, is facing risk of closure due to the unexpected sale of its freehold.
According to its Crowdfunder page, the building’s freehold was recently sold to a “large, multi-million-pound pub group” without founder Clement Ogbonnaya’s “knowledge or consultation”.
In a follow-up video posted to Instagram, Clement revealed that the buyer was Young & Co.’s Brewery, which has since issued a challenging ultimatum; buy it back or lose it forever. “As an independent team, we simply don’t have the resources to compete with corporate buyers – not without help.”
After seemingly unsuccessful negotiations, the Queen of the South team has launched a crowdfunding campaign “Save Our Queen” with the goal of raising £100,000 to cover legal fees, staff wages and the refurbishment of the pub’s rooftop.
The news arrives amid a wider pattern of property disputes threatening community spaces across London. In March, Dalston’s V22 Studios launched a crowdfunder after the local council announced plans to sell 10-16 Ashwin Street, which has been home to the affordable art studio for over 20 years.
Meanwhile, Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club narrowly avoided eviction last year after it was designated an “Asset of Community Value,” granting locals the “Right to Bid” if the building went up for sale. Even so, the venue this year launched its own fundraiser to help pay for a planning bid to protect it from developers.
As we understand it, Young & Co. will formally reveal its intentions on Monday 11th August. Until then, you can show support by helping to raise awareness about the situation through social media and by donating to the Crowdfunder.
Key Information
Address | 367 Norwood Rd, Norwood, London SE27 9BQ
For more information | @qotspub
