The Railway Bell, known as The Dip, in Hampton, had to close in April 2024 after the death of licensee Seamus O’Kane.
Ownership reverted to the Stonegate Group, which is now selling the freehold.
The pub, which dates back to the 19th century, has been a cornerstone of Hampton life for generations.
It is located just minutes from Hampton Station and has a secluded garden.
The meeting at the Hampton Hub marked the formation of ‘Save the Dip,’ a grassroots group founded by local resident Robert Lee.
The group aims to prevent the permanent loss of the pub and explore options to bring it into community hands.
Mr Lee said: “This is about more than just a pub.
“It’s about protecting a space that brings people together, that adds life to our neighbourhood, and that deserves to be at the heart of Hampton’s future, not its past.”
The group has grown rapidly and now boasts more than 350 members, with numbers continuing to rise.
Plans are already in motion to launch a robust campaign to secure the pub’s future, including exploring options to purchase the freehold—potentially through a community ownership model.
As a first step, the group has formally applied to have the pub designated as an Asset of Community Value.
Locals are invited to join the campaign by emailing savethedip@gmail.com.
The Railway Bell had to suspend trading in April 2024 following the death of longtime licensee Seamus O’Kane.
Ownership reverted to Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, which advertised for a new tenant under what residents call “unrealistic terms.”
The freehold is now being offered for sale—triggering urgent local action.
