Closing Time in Fulham As Well Known Pubs Are Redeveloped

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While two other local bars are for sale and face uncertain futures

Pubs in Fulham are continuing to disappear, with work underway redeveloping the Hand and Flower on King's Road and the former Eel Brook, a short distance to the west on New King's Road.

Meanwhile, planning permission has also been granted for the redevelopment of the former Hurlingham pub on Wandsworth Bridge Road.

The Hand and Flower, at 617 King's Road is being partially demolished and extended at the rear to create five flats above a shop on the ground floor. The planning permission is as follows:

Change of use from Use Class A4 (pub) to A1 (retail) at ground and basement level; Erection of front, rear and side dormer roof extensions and the erection of rear extensions at ground, first and second floor level, following demolition of single storey rear wing in connection with the provision of 1 x one bedroom, 2 x two bedroom and 2 x three bedroom self-contained flat; alterations to existing shopfront; installation of new doors and windows at ground floor level to the side elevation; formation of refuse and cycle storage at the rear of the property.

It follows a similar redevelopment of Morrisons Bar on the opposite side of King's Road.

Further west at 65 New King's Road, the site of the former Eelbrook pub, the 'pop-up' Petit Terre restaurant has now moved onto new premises near Tower Bridge after its one year lease  ended in April. This means local developer Marston Properties, who bought the premises from pub company Greene King, has now begun redeveloping it to create six new flats on the upper floor.

However, the company is hoping to reopen a pub or restaurant on the ground floor around autumn 2018.

At 360 Wandsworth Bridge Road, close to Wandsworth Bridge, a planning application by a company called City Electrical Factors to redevelop the former Hurlingham pub to create seven flats above one of the company's own electrical wholesale stores.

The planning permission is as follows:

Erection of a part three, part four storey building following partial demolition of the existing building, incorporating retained facades to Carnwath Road and Wandsworth Bridge Road and consisting of retail at ground floor level (Class A1) and 7 flats above (Class C3) with roof terrace at third floor level and alterations to shopfronts in retained facades.

Two other established pubs are facing an uncertain future, after being put up for sale by their owners.

The Kona Kai, a cocktail bar which describes itself as 'an exotic Tiki paradise'  opposite the main Britannia Gate entrance to Stamford Bridge, has been for sale through leisure property specialist Fleurets for almost 18 months, with a current guide price of £150,000.

The Eight Bells, a favourite with fans of Fulham Football Club on Fulham High Street, is also up for sale through Guy Simmonds Business Transfers Ltd, priced £285,000.

The pub, which has five bedrooms above, is being sold by Enterprise Inns and is described as a thriving traditional 17th century inn, presented in excellent condition exuding a wealth of charm and character throughout.

The agent adds that this is "extremely rare and golden opportunity to produce a thriving and highly successful lifestyle business and family home".

This would seem to indicate that this pub, at least, is not being sold with redevelopment in mind.

You can see a full list of the many local pubs which have closed their doors over the years at The Lost Pubs Project.

August 11, 2017