Canterbury Arms, Brixton to be turned into flats - planning application

I'll have to give that a go. Probably my favourite part of London round that area

 

I think the corridor to the ladies deserves a photo (no really) as the tiling is tremendous.

 

Does anyone know if it's still open? I was planning on watching the rugby in there next week to pay my last respects...

 

Yep. Probably be open for another couple of months yet.

 

Unless Lambeth get their finger out with "Brixton Central" the inhabitants of the 20 luxury and 11 shared ownership flats due on the site of the pub will have the exotic container-city business park for their neighbours.

 

Great pics of the Canterbury. I took some but only 1 was good. Can't upload it properly - sorry

 

This was just posted on Facebook.


An open letter to The Canterbury Arms community.

Dear friends,

It is with extreme sadness that I announce the demise of ‘The Canterbury Arms’ Brixton.

The bar will cease trading on the 5th September 2015, this closure reflects the insatiable appetite of property developers for backstreet corner sites that will be developed into flats for tenants who live in far off lands, and these developers call it progress which maybe so…
But where do local people who want to be part of a community and their friends and relatives go to socialise. Over the years the Canterbury has celebrated weddings, christenings, birthdays, funerals and anniversaries from all cultures. There have been many club and music nights over the years, too many to mention, which have reflected the diverse communities which makes up the melting pot that Brixton personifies.

In my tenure as manager of this venerable establishment, my wife Mary, daughters Michelle and Mary-Lisa and of course Eamon have come to know and respect the locals and felt part of the community. We have made many friends and a few enemies, but that is life. So it is with extreme sorrow that we say goodbye to the pub that became home for me and my family over a very long period.

As I have said to the many friends and acquaintances who we have met over the years, through concerts at the academy, parties and celebrations – it has been a pleasure to know and serve you, even bar some of you on occasion.

There will be a final night of celebration with the legendary Gerry who has DJ’d for the last 20 years here and who is a great friend on Saturday, 29th August – you are all welcome!

Slán & Beannacht

Brian, Mary, Michelle, Mary-Lisa & Eamon

 

that's shit.

 

A real shame

 

so terrible and so unfair that it's happening so suddenly. i thought we'd get more notice....so so sad.

 

This really does suck.

 

It just doesn't seem right.

 

I've only been there once or twice but a real shame to see another Brixton boozer go.

 

And it'll only get worse as more and more PubCos go for the quick money.

 

i fear for our high streets in general. supermarkets. out of town shopping "mals". internet. what will england look like in twenty years. pound lands. hairdressers. supermarkets. fast food outlets.

 

Er... I think you'll find Brixton will have boutique beard barbers and pop up pasty parlours thank you very much

 

Already looks like that round my way

 

Too bad, have fond memories of the Canterbury, and the bar staff.

 

no, the tide will have turned against beards and people sporting them will be shunned as centres of pestilence

 

well that's better than what it looks like round my way

(only joking croydonites!)

 

And estate agencies. Don't forget estate agencies.

 

It's our last night at the Canterbury tonight. Pop your head around the door if you're passing...

http://www.howdoesitfeel.co.uk/lastbrixtonhdif.html

 

It's the people that make it. I just play the songs. We're lucky to have the best loveliest folk for regulars.

 

Fantastic photos, wish I could have been there.