London SE1 community website

Future of Thomas a Becket pub back in doubt as Rock Island shuts

London SE1 website team

Just over a year after Frank Bruno cut the ribbon to open the Rock Island restaurant at the Thomas a Becket in Old Kent Road, the venue has been repossessed, putting the future of the historic pub back in doubt.

Future of Thomas a Becket pub back in doubt as Rock Island shuts

The pub, whose present building dates from 1898 but has a much longer heritage, is well-known for links to the boxing world and carries a blue plaque to mark its connection with the late Henry Cooper. David Bowie rehearsed in a room above the pub in the 1970s.

Three years ago the building was listed as an 'asset of community value' under the Localism Act after a campaign by the Walworth Society, prompted by news that the pub was up for sale at auction.

The venue's prospects seemed to be improving when Frank Bruno and the Mayor of Southwark performed the opening ceremony for the new Rock Island grill on Valentine's Day 2017.

However, the pub is once again closed, with bailiffs having repossessed the space last month.

The pub is located on the site of an ancient watering hole for travellers, and for the past year modern pilgrims heading to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury have been able to have their pilgrim passports stamped at Rock Island.

The SE1 website is supported by people like you
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.

Archive
News archive from February 1999 to January 2001
Got a story for us?
Contact us with your tip-offs and story ideas.