Barn’s new role not everyone’s cup of tea

9:08am Sunday 23rd March 2008

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RESIDENTS have vowed to continue their campaign to keep a historic building as a pub.

Pub and restaurant The Tudor Barn, Well Hall Road, Eltham, was closed last month by owner Greenwich Council.

The council's plan to change the use of the historic landmark, which dates back to the 16th Century, was announced at a cabinet committee meeting on January 22 after complaints about anti-social behaviour in the surrounding gardens.

Although the decision sparked a campaign by residents to keep the barn as a pub, it reopened as a tea room on March 17.

Greenwich Council insists the tea room is only temporary and is inviting people to make suggestions about the barn's future.

However, campaigners say the building should remain a pub.

Campaign organiser and teacher Lynne Chamberlain, 56, of Brewery Road, Plumstead said: "Let's cater for all the community. However, there are people who want to go in for a beer, not a cup of tea.

"We are going to re-ignite the campaign and we will be petitioning the council."

Folk music club Folk Mob was held at the pub and attracted 30 to 40 people of all ages every Wednesday.

Its members say they share Ms Chamberlain's disappointment at the loss of the bar facilities.

Club member Mick Woods, 52, of Chiswell Square, Kidbrooke, said: "Everyone was really gutted by the closure. There's no pubs in the area and, now it is a tea room, some of the atmosphere will be lost.

"Folk music really suits the venue and I can see the club fizzling out."

Mr Woods says he will support any petition made to the council.

Greenwich Council cabinet member for culture Councillor John Fahy said: "We've listened to what people said and have come up with a really positive use for the building."

A council spokesman said: "A decision on the long-term use of the Tudor Barn will be taken later in the year."

For further information and to submit suggestions about the future of The Tudor Barn, email tudorbarn@greenwich.gov.uk