MORE THAN 700 SIGN GRAPE AND GRAIN PETITION
MORE THAN 700 people have now signed an online petition opposing plans by pub chain Wetherspoon’s for the Grape and Grain pub in Crystal Palace.
Wetherspoon’s have already said there will be no live music in the pub when they take over the premises at the top of Anerley Hill. They have also said they will appeal a recent planning refusal by Bromley council for the pub which at various times has been known as the Crystal Palace hotel and the Sportsman.
In an open letter to Wetherspoon’s boss Tim Martin accompanying the petition, Grape and Grain regular Ruth Bannister writes:
“Tim,
“I’m aware you recently visited the Grape and Grain – a local pub that Wetherspoons have acquired in Crystal Palace, South East London.
“Rumour is that you weren’t overly taken with it. “Many of the locals think otherwise.
“The Grape and Grain is a wonderful local resource, supporting the local community and offering something different to a lot of other local pubs.
“It’s a great live music venue (you should see the jazz on a Sunday!) and hosts many community events such as Swing Patrol dance sessions and Green Drinks.
“The landlords offer up space for and are actively involved in local initiatives – including a Tipsy Garden, the Palace Pint, as well as sponsoring and playing a key part in our local festival.
“The current landlords, Heather and John, are great. both are actively involved in the local community and Heather’s home cooked roasts are legend. It’s basically the last ‘proper pub’ in the area and thrives because of that.
“We do have another Wetherspoon’s just around the corner (the Postal Order) which many of us also frequent. “This isn’t an anti-Wetherspoon’s thing (I’ve worked for Wetherspoon’s and loved it), its a pro-pub-as-is thing.
“With that in mind, could you not just leave the G&G as it is? Own it, yes, make money out of it, yes, reduce the price of a pint? “Yes please! But please keep the landlords, the community aspect, the music, the independent spirit. “Oh, and the decor.
“It’s a good pub, it works, and it is loved. Please don’t try and fix something that isn’t broken.
“We would love to have the opportunity to discuss this with you, and for you to see what the pub offers and what it means to us. “I’ll even buy you lunch.
“Thanks for reading this, looking forward to hearing from you.”
(Tim Martin has yet to reply). A Wetherspoon’s spokesman told News From Crystal Palace they would not be commenting on the petition.
“Wetherspoon will be appealing the planning refusal – it has not yet been submitted but an appeal will be submitted in due course.”
To view the petition please go to change.org – Keep the Grape and Grain as a community pub (Server ‘misbehaving’ at time of writing this article – Ed.))
Further reading:
GRAPE AND GRAIN PLAN REFUSED – March 20th
GRAPE AND GRAIN NAME CHANGE? – February 20th
NO LIVE MUSIC AT GRAPE AND GRAIN WHEN IT BECOMES A WETHERSPOON’S – 22nd October 2014
GRAPE AND GRAIN FREEHOLD SOLD FOR £1.9 MILLION 15th April 2014
