COMMUNITY BUYOUT OF LOCAL PUB GETS BIG BOOST
The community campaign to reopen a much-loved pub in Hampton received a massive boost at a packed public meeting recently.
There was a lot of enthusiasm for a community buyout of The Railway Bell, nicknamed The Dip, which closed in April last year. More than 100 people attended the ‘Save The Dip’ meeting at the Hampton Hub.
A show of hands confirmed that many attendees are eager to contribute towards the goal of reopening the pub and reintegrating it into the heart of the Hampton community.
It is up for sale at £1 million and the campaign is keen to hear from more interested investors. The plan is to raise capital through a Community Benefit Society with investors buying shares, probably in units of £100.
An application for the pub to be designated an Asset of Community Value is being considered by Richmond Council.
The campaign has seen an intense publicity drive and the WhatsApp group has more than 450 followers.
Campaign leader Robert Lee, who presented a slideshow about progress and future plans at the meeting said: “I was so gratified by the big turnout and the tremendous community support for bringing such a treasured pub back into the heart of the community. This campaign is going from strength to strength.”
To find out more about the campaign and learn how you can contribute please email: savethedip@gmail.com
The pub is on the market with a £1million price tag with the upmarket estate agents Savills and is described as a two storey end of terrace property of brick construction with painted and rendered elevations beneath a multi pitched tiled roof.
The ground floor consists of a central bar servery with open plan trading area and seating on loose tables, chairs and bench seating for 30 customers as well as a separate restaurant area with additional seating for 30 customers. Ancillary areas comprise a trade kitchen with prep area, customer WC’s, cellar and a number of stores to the rear.
The first floor has the manager’s accommodation with three bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom and there is a beer garden to the front of the pub with seating for 80 customers.
The property is not listed however it is situated within Hampton Village Conservation Area. The property is located within Flood Zone 1 (Lowest Risk).
Local information
- The property is located in the village of Hampton within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames approximately 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometres) southwest of Richmond and 13.7 miles (21.9 kilometres) southwest of central London.
- The Railway Bell is situated fronting Station Road at the intersection with Tudor Road and directly opposite Hampton Village Green. Hampton Train Station is located 100m to the west and provides access to London Waterloo in 43 minutes.
You can see all the particulars of the pub here: Railway Bell, Station Road, Hampton, TW12 2AP | Property for sale | Savills