New owners give new hope to pub
FRESH hope has been given to one of Shire- hampton's most historic watering holes as new owners pledge to reopen it as a pub.
The Lamplighters pub, in Station Road, has been bought by Churchill Property Group (CPG).
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The pub was a well-known drinking spot for Shirehampton ship pilots in the 1940s, and King William III famously landed at the site on his return to England after victory in the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
But despite its historic past its future looked uncertain when the pub closed suddenly in January last year.
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The then owners Enterprise Inns, pledged to reopen it after renovation but put the building on the market in May.
There were fears it could be sold to developers and a petition to save the pub was launched by MP Charlotte Leslie and Bristol CAMRA Pubs Group, attracting 300 signatures.
Now both groups have welcomed the sale after Churchill Property Group vowed to reopen it as a pub.
Miss Leslie said: "The Lamplighters is an historic and key part of Shirehampton and it would be a tragedy if it closed as a pub.
"Our petition to keep the pub open has attracted overwhelming local support. The pub is unique and has so much potential. I am delighted that every effort is going to be made to restore the Lamplighters to being one of Bristol's beacon pubs."
Peter Bridle of Bristol CAMRA Pubs Group said: "It is clear that there is a lot of support for the Lamplighters not only in Shirehampton but also from further afield.
"Of all the pubs that have closed in the Bristol area in recent times, the Lamplighters is one of the top two pubs we get asked about most frequently.
"It is clear that it is a much loved pub and many people want to see it reopened. It is a wonderful pub situated on the bank of a river and we now look forward to the Lamplighters reopening so that it can once again be a great local pub for the community. We are delighted that Churchill Property Group intends to see the pub reopen as soon as possible."
The property group is now looking to find someone to lease the pub and have been in talks with local breweries and pub operators.
Matt Moody of CPG said: "Our first job is establishing the works required to the building and these are currently being costed.
"We then intend to undertake these works, ideally, in conjunction with an operator to meet their specification.
"We have instructed specialist pub letting company Melrose Licensed Property to find us a new tenant and are hopeful of identifying someone we can work with in the near future."
To support the campaign to save the pub visit www.savethelamplighters pub.bristolpetitions.com.
Comments
by Walkthetalk
Tuesday, September 06 2011, 9:00PM
“So the lamplighters might open again....who really cares, apart from Miss Leslie who uses this pub as a propaganda tool to try & prove she's a worthwhile, serious politician.
The Lamplighters closed because not enough people went there to keep it a viable business proposition, the fate that has befallen many other pubs throughout Bristol.
Face facts; pub culture as we knew it through the 60's, 70's, 80's & part of the 90's is dead & long gone. The efforts of the new owners of the Lamplighters & Charlotte Leslie is not going to bring that back.”
by rustyinn
Tuesday, July 26 2011, 12:05AM
“It good to see that even in these strained financial times there are those out there who can see long term potential in a property and in the pub business. I'll be following the revival of The Lamplighters with interest and hope I'll be able to enjoy a pint there again before to long.”
by MAJ46
Monday, July 25 2011, 9:13PM
“It's great that Churchill have the vision to see the potential that the Lamplighters has to continue trading as a pub. This venture deserves great success. Well done to Churchill Property Group, Charlotte Leslie and Bristol CAMRA Pubs Group.”
by lamp82
Monday, July 25 2011, 9:06PM
“"Great News. The Lamplighters' future is looking much brighter. Hopefully it will re-open soon and do well.
It is a historic pub with a good riverside setting."”
by JW_BRISTOL
Monday, July 25 2011, 5:39PM
“This is good news - lets hope it happens and we get the Lamplighters back again for the residents of Shirehampton and beyond.”
by Bristolbelle
Monday, July 25 2011, 3:52PM
“As a resident of Shirehampton I have to say this is great news. Wishing the new owners every success.”
by BenAS_
Monday, July 25 2011, 11:03AM
“Great to see a local landmark being saved!”