Purchased in February 2017 and situated directly opposite Marston’s Plough Brewery building, the two properties are the former homes of once popular late night venues 'The Artesian Well' night club and restaurant and wine bar 'The Lost Society'.
Lambeth had withdrawn the late licenses in 2016 and as a result the venues popularity had dwindled and were closed. By the time Marstons had taken them over they had been squatted and were in a very sorry state.
We invited neighbours of the buildings to tell us what they wanted to see done with the buildings. It was clear that they wanted to see an end to the nightclubs and the constant disturbance and antisocial behaviour.
Marstons were always keen to keep one pub but not two so we met with CAMRA in 2018 to discuss the possibility of retaining only one licensed outlet. CAMRA agreed that two drinking venues side by side were not viable and therefore supported our application to keep the corner pub. After lengthy discussions with Lambeth our planning application was lodged in the Autumn of 2019. Permission was finally granted in principle in early 2021. The detailed scheme that includes 9 flats and a pub in the ground floor and basement is being worked up and construction will start on site at the end of 2021.
The flats and pub will be retained by Marstons after redevelopment work has been completed and will be available to rent
In 2016 Marstons bought the Southern Cross Pub in Fulham after it had been closed by Greene King and let it to Brook House who very successfully brought the pub back in to use in 2019 only to be stopped in their tracks by the Covid lock downs. We know that pubs are really important venues for local communities in London so we will do all we can to help keep both pubs.
