The 300-year-old pub in the middle of a huge English city that’s fighting for survival | UK | News
The historic pub, believed to have opened its doors in 1720, is fighting for survival as local residents band together to protect it from possible redevelopment. The Black Horse, on the corner of Wood Street and Union Street in High Barnet, London, closed in September after the last owner left. Owner Star Pubs is looking for a new operator to reopen the pub soon, but concerns have grown in the community about the pub’s future.
Thousands of residents have signed a petition calling on Barnet Council to grant the pub “asset of community value” (ACV) status; This status will give local people the right to bid if the property goes up for sale. High Barnet councilor Emma Whysall also voiced her support, highlighting how ACV protections have helped protect other historic sites in the borough.
The petition on Change.org currently has 2,529 signatures. He writes: “The Black Horse in Chipping Barnet is one of our most treasured pubs.
“Founded in 1720, the pub has served countless generations and almost everyone in Barnet has a fond memory of their time there. “The recent closure is a reminder that times are tougher than ever for pubs and we cannot risk losing it completely.
“We are calling on Barnet Council to list Black Horse as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) under the Localism Act 2011. ACV listing recognizes that a building or piece of land is of significant social importance to the local community, for example as a place for social gatherings, entertainment or cultural events.”
Petition starter and local resident Olly Gough also pointed out that the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet had gained ACV status following redevelopment scares.
Although the community did not buy it outright, he said strong local support encouraged the new owners to take over Heartwood Inns and the pub is now thriving once again.
The history of the bar dates back three centuries. It was a popular stop during sheep fairs on Barnet Common and Clutterbuck and Co. and later saw numerous owners, including Cannon Brewery.
The pub’s most unique features included the fact that it once housed the local fire engine in the 1850s and the presence of a 20-foot-deep, brick-lined well that was rediscovered in the 1950s. There are even local legends of the ghostly figure of an old woman walking inside the building.
A council spokesman said: “The council has not received an application for a property of community value in this area. Once the application has been submitted the formal process can begin.”
