Montague Arms: New Cross pub faces demolition

The Montague Arms on Queen's Road packed in punters for decades, known for its vibrant live music scene which hosted famous artists such as Gang of Four and attracted visits from The Fall's Mark E Smith, Nick Cave and Shane MacGowan. 

After a brief closure in 2018, it reopened as a gastro-pub, losing much of its traditional character.

Now plans have been tabled to knock it down, replacing it with flats and a much smaller pub which would most likely be prohibited from hosting live music.

A letter signed jointly by Telegraph Hill ward councillors Paul Bell, Joan Millbank and Luke Sorba reads: “Ward councillors, Paul Bell, Joan Millbank and Luke Sorba are opposed to the demolition of the Montague Arms.

“The post-COVID world will need to rebuild our society. Pubs and entertainment are a vital part of restoring social interaction that we’ve lost since the first lockdown. As such, we will be objecting to the planning application to demolish the pub.

“We will also ask that the decision goes to a planning committee of elected councillors if it is not refused by officers.

“At the committee we will ask for the refusal to grant the planning permission for the demolition of the former pub. We will try everything possible to save it.”

Under the proposed plans, the pub would be replaced with a four storey building, leaving a smaller space for a pub, an office and nine self-contained flats. 

The estimated cost of the development is between £2 million and £100 million. 

Known affectionately by regulars as 'the Monty', the pub regularly appeared in lists chronicling Britain's best boozers, admired for decorations including a human skeleton and stuffed animals.

According to the pub's folklore it has attracted visitors as diverse as the Krays and Michael Jackson. 

In more recent years it helped launch the careers of young local musicians, such as King Krule.

You can view the plans here