The Grove on Dulwich’s Lordship Lane was a popular pub for locals dating back 100 years until it closed following a fire in 2014.
The pub, which is currently leased by Stonegate and owned by Dulwich Estate, is set to have its lease expire in September this year, over a decade since it first closed.
Current leaseholders Stonegate confirmed that the lease would expire in September this year and that it would continue to provide security for the pub up until then.
Councillor Andy Simmons told the News Shopper that councillors along with MP Helen Hayes had been working to lobby Stonegate to return the lease, to enable it to be brought back to use.
According to Councillor Simmons, locals are keen for the premises to remain as a pub or a restaurant, with affordability being a key concern.
However, he added that there were “challenges” to opening an affordable pub in the area following the closure of the Capitol – a Wetherspoons pub in Forest Hill which closed in October 2023.
Councillor Simmons said have also expressed support for the building to become social housing or a home for the elderly.
He explained: “Stonegate Pubs is a large private equity owned chain of pubs who hold the lease on the Grove Tavern site.
“We have been working with our local MP Helen Hayes for many years now to lobby Stonegate to hand back the lease so that the site can be brought back into use.
“We last met with Stonegate a few months ago to urge them again to work with the freeholder to bring the site back into use.
“Local residents would ideally like an affordable pub or restaurant on the site, though the closure of the Capitol by Wetherspoons in Forest Hill just up the road shows the challenges of operating an affordable pub or restaurant in the area.
“If an affordable pub or restaurant were not possible then affordable social housing or homes for older people would be alternatives that local people have supported instead.”
We previously contacted Southwark Council, who told the News Shopper that ideally their interest is for spaces like the Grove not to remain unoccupied and unused.
Southwark Council also confirmed that no planning applications have been submitted for the building.
In a previous statement to News Shopper a spokesperson for Stonegate Group said: “Stonegate Group’s lease on The Grove pub in Dulwich will expire in September 2025 and we will maintain security of the site up until this date.
“Any works required on site will be mutually agreed between Stonegate Group and Dulwich Estates. From September 2025, Dulwich Estates will determine the future of the site.”
We have further contacted Stonegate for comment.
