The Catford House, formerly the Catford Constitutional Club, was forced to close in 2019 as it was suffering from structural and safety problems.
Since then, work has been under way to transform the locally listed building into a new, accessible space for the local community.
The new venue, which opened on November 19, features a refurbished pub hall, a landscaped garden, a newly installed lift and smaller spaces which can be used for workshops or smaller bookings.
The venue can also be hired for private parties and will host pop-up events, fitness classes, workshops, exhibitions and more.
The project was supported using funding from Lewisham Council and a £1.8million contribution from the Mayor of London’s Good Grown Fund.
Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA), a not-for-profit organisation is managing the new venue and has a track record of successfully running other local spots such as The Woolwich Front Room and the Woolwich Common Community Centre.
Claire Pritchard, CEO of GCDA, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “Our vision is to create a pub with purpose, a 21st century social club, where good food and good conversation go hand in hand with community action.
“At a time when so many public spaces are disappearing, we want The Catford House to remain open and accessible to all.
“We hope The Catford House becomes a blueprint for what’s possible when communities take charge of their own spaces and futures. GCDA’s approach is about working with communities, not just in them — listening, learning, and building together. This is just the beginning.”
The new venue is supporting businesses from the area by sourcing from suppliers such as as Mont58 Coffee and Catford Rhum Arrange. The Catford House has also partnered with Portobello Brewery, operators of the nearby Catford Bridge Tavern, to help stock the bar.
Maya Haiman-Eilon, who co-founded Mont58 Coffee with her husband, Shai, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be supplying coffee to Catford House. As a local independent roastery, it means so much to partner with another business that’s investing in our community.
“We can’t wait for Catford to enjoy great coffee in such a fantastic new space.”
Cllr James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning said: “The opening of The Catford House is an important step forward. More than a pub, it’s a space for everyday life, to meet friends and family, enjoy food and drink, learn new skills, support local creatives and feel part of a safer, more vibrant Catford.
“That’s why we chose a cooperative, not-for-profit operator to manage this venue for us. This transformation led by the council, with support from the GLA [Greater London Authority], brings a historic building back into public use.
“GCDA, as the new housekeepers, will now help shape its future alongside our residents. The Catford House shows our ongoing commitment to regeneration that puts local people first.”
The Catford House has the following opening times:
- Monday to Thursday: 5pm to 11pm
- Friday: 3pm to 12am
- Saturday 12pm to 12am
- Sunday: 12pm to 11pm
