Valentine's, Long Lane

I notice that Valentine's pub on Long Lane (next to junction with Weston Street) has finally got "SOLD" signs plastered all over it. Anyone know who bought the land/building and what their intentions are?

I've heard on good authority that it's going to be a young offenders rehabilitation unit, needle exchange, asylum seekers refuge, deli, art house cinema, brothel, jail for persistent congestion charge offenders, albino lama sanctuary and estate agent specialising only in even numbered five storey bungalows painted blue in Mongolia.

Shame we were hoping for a Waitrose

someone applied for a late license for the premises so I assume it is going to be a pub

I made a call to the agents looking after this site and they informed me that Valentines would be re-opening as a pub in the New Year. I'd guess they need to spend a small fortune restoring it to its former glory though (!). Apparently the long term plans for the site may include the whole site being bulldozed to be replaced with more housing.

biscuit boy wrote:

I've heard on good authority that it's going to be a young offenders rehabilitation unit, needle exchange, asylum seekers refuge, deli, art house cinema, brothel, jail for persistent congestion charge offenders, albino lama sanctuary and estate agent specialising only in even numbered five storey bungalows painted blue in Mongolia.
Shame we were hoping for a Waitrose

Thank goodness, finally something that brings life to the neighbourhood.

Let's hope it is a decent pub. There is a definite void in that area. Except the lovely Roebuck of course.

with a late licence and bouncers in the application i doubt it!!

Southwark's executive are taking a decision on the disposal of the freehold next week:

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/uploads/file_29368.pdf

A planning application is in: 08/AP/1842

Do you know if they plan on having a large events type room - somewhere that they might decide to hold poker tournaments perhaps, or cider tasting sessions, SE1 Christmas social events, Morris Dancing, or Tae Kwan Do, etc ? It's quite a large site, and some kind of pub related community space would be a good idea (imo).

I think local pub landlords with large spaces available for events, should be encouraged to diversify the usage of the space.

Places like The Leather Exchange for instance, they have a fair sized room upstairs which is used for private parties and functions - they could easily do a pub quiz, a bridge night, knitting classes, a book club, all sorts of things to get more people involved in not just their pub (which they would be more likely to come back to for a pint), but in the 'local community'.

just my 2p worth.