We are able to report some success but still major concerns.
As you know, there has been a Swiss-style pub on this site since the late 1830s. The present building – reputably the largest pub in London – dates from the 1970s. It was suddenly closed by owner, Samuel Smith’s Brewery, in February and has been quickly stripped of its decorations and interior fittings. Its future is unknown and mysterious.
It had strangely missed out on any protection and we’re pleased to report that an application submitted by Belsize Society for it to be designated an “Asset of Community Value” has been accepted by Camden. This adds some protection in planning terms and also, should it come onto the market, gives us the right to submit a bid to acquire it for the community. Our aim is to try in some way to re-open it as a pub and we have been discussing options with a representative from CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale – who have considerable experience in similar community run schemes.
Though it had been run down in the last year or two, it is clear the pub was much loved by many from across the whole of London and beyond. The closure attracted considerable media attention and we even had a brief interview on Japanese television, so wide is the interest in this pub! An online petition seeking ACV designation was started by Erika – the energetic reception manager of The Swiss Cottage Hotel – and rapidly obtained over 2,000 signatures.
We need to create a compelling case for its resurrection. We have formed a small action group and have been amassing a large resource of photos, videos, historical information and social media material. If you have any interesting anecdotes, history, photos, knowledge of special events or celebrities who drank there, please let us know. Chris Langdon is co-ordinating the campaign for the committee: info@belsize.org.uk.
In case it fails to return to pub use, we applied to Camden and have been assured that it is to be added to the “Local List” of important local heritage assets, giving it further protection against demolition or alterations.
We have also asked that the Odeon Cinema next door is added to the Local List as it, too, is unprotected and vulnerable and we can see it being sold off in the future.