At the current rate of closures, Britain's last pub will call time in 2037. The trend towards converting these closed down pubs into alternative commercial or welfare functions is a relatively new trend.
Figures collected by the north London branch of Camra (campaign for real ales) shows 227 out of a 936 pubs in 23 north London postcodes have closed since around 2002.While 84 London pubs were converted into flats, 143 London pubs were taken over by business and voluntary groups, and are finding a new community role thanks to their prime location and their history as a focal point.
Former London pubs, inns and taverns have been converted into new uses as diverse as an Ethiopian restaurant, a theatre, a Turkish social club, a canoe centre and a café opposite Pentonville Prison called Breakout. In many cases, the new owners retain the traditional heavy pub tiles and the metal frame that once contained the pub sign, leaving behind a virtual map of the pub network.
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1 comments:
Whilst it's sad that we're losing so many pubs it's a relief that some are becoming community centres.
Pubs have always been about more than drinking. They've been a place for travellers to rest, somewhere to find warmth and food, a meeting place for trades, unofficial employment exchanges and banks. By losing the pubs we're often losing the focus of the community.
Let's hope that these businesses and community centres buying old pubs also retain the original name. No pub is named by accident - they commemorate royalty, religion, heroes and innovation - and together they chart the history of England.
By losing the pubs we're losing far more than somewhere to buy a pint.
Elaine Saunders
Author – A Book About Pub Names
It’s A Book About….blog
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