Royal George pub to be converted to flats
March 8, 2010 by Rob Powell
The Royal George pub in Blissett Street is set to be turned into flats after planning permission was granted by Greenwich Council.
The pub closed its doors recently and the owners, Shepherd Neame, put in an application to have the building converted into two flats.
To illustrate the loss of trade the pub had suffered, Shepherd Neame described in its application how annual beer barrel volume averaged at 120 barrels between 2000 – 2009, whereas it has been as high as 310 barrels between 1977 – 1986.
They also highlighted the affect of the smoking ban, business rates, utility bills and the minimum wage as factors which they say made the pub no longer economically viable.
Six responses from the public were made which all opposed the closure, but permission was granted at last week’s meeting of the Greenwich area planning board.
Stiff local competition presumably didn’t help – Ashburnham Arms, Tolly’s, Union…
That’s a real, real shame. The George was a proper local pub amid gastro-pubs towards Greenwich, and some pretty unwelcoming places towards Lewisham. I always got great service there, was always welcomed and it felt like a real community pub.
Sadly, I guess this hidden gem was just too hidden for its own good.
I’ve lived less than a minutes walk from the place for 5 years and have never once been even remotely tempted to go in which probably tells you everything you need to know.
I doubt the murder outside the pub a few years ago will have done much for the trade.
I think all the locals have died, no-one new to the area would go in there
Good riddance, bring on the yuppies…. although you wouldn’t want to live next to those sirens going off at all hours
me – id like to buy it !!
I’m delighted it closed, live near by and my life was made misery by their loud music, karaokes and anti social behaviour from patrons over the years. The street is much quieter now and there are much better pubs nearby like the Ash.
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