Eleven London pubs have been saved from the risk of closure after being bought out of administration, with three venues still at risk. Hospitality group Urban Pubs & bars, which has bought the sites, already owns a large portfolio of drinking establishments around the city.
A string of pubs owned by Antic hospitality group went into administration in July this year. Antic London had been struggling with the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic and “legacy debt”.
And while most of the former 13 ancient hospitality pubs have been saved from closure, three of their former popular sites are still at risk. Dogstar in Brixton, Tooting Tram and Social and Coppers in Crystal Palace were not included in the sale, leaving their futures uncertain. They will continue to trade while administrators remain in discussion with affected parties.
Now Urban Pubs & Bars has bought most of these administration premises, including The East Dulwich Tavern, The Antelope in Tooting and The Sun in Camberwell.
The group already owns 44 hospitality venues across the city, including The Griffin in Shoreditch and The Old Ship in Hackney.
“We’re delighted to have acquired these fantastic pubs – and we can’t wait to bring them into the Urban family. Like so many existing corners of UPB, these newly acquired venues are iconic in so many individual ways – and we can’t wait in working with our new colleagues to realize the full potential of them, and their brilliant company, says Urban Pubs & Bars CEO Chris Hill.
Full list of locations saved from closure
- Red Lion, High Road Leytonstone
- East Dulwich Tavern, Lordship Lane
- The Antelope, Mitcham Road
- Hagen & Hyde, Balham High Street
- Balham Bowls Club, Ramsden Road
- Clapton Hart, Lower Clapton Road
- Elephant & Castle, Newington Causeway
- The Sun of Camberwell, Coldharbour Lane
- The Volunteer, Powis Street
- The Mews, Norbury Crescent
- Linman & Turner, Penge High Street
Do you have a story? Please contact us at katherine.gray@reachplc.com.
