CAMRA joins fight to protect award-winning pub in Isleworth

Ale-lovers are seeking to regain protected status for an award-winning pub.

The Red Lion, in Isleworth, was recognised by Hounslow Council in May as an 'asset of community value', providing a degree of safeguarding against any future development.

But that decision was revoked just three months later, after the Wellington Pub Company, which owns the building, successfully argued the proper procedures had not been followed.

Now members of CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) Richmond and Hounslow branch are planning to apply to get the building in Linkfield Road re-listed.

Branch members have made their case to CAMRA's head office, which is reviewing the application before it is submitted to the council.

Branch publicity officer John Austin said: "The Red Lion is an excellent pub and we are applying to get it re-listed as an asset of community value."

CAMRA says it has already secured listed status for more than 800 pubs across the country and hopes the total will pass 1,500 by the end of the year.

Owners wishing to sell an asset of community value must allow community groups six months in which to prepare a bid, though they are not obliged to accept the offer once that time is up.

The Tabard Pub and Theatre, in Chiswick, and Isleworth Public Hall are the only listed assets in the borough.

There is no suggestion there are any plans to demolish or change the use of The Red Lion.

The campaign was started by regulars at the pub after they learned the landlady had put the leasehold up for sale.

Although 775 people signed a petition to get the pub listed, the council's decision was overturned as the application came from a Facebook campaign group rather than an established community group as required under the legislation.

The Red Lion has been named the best pub in Richmond and Hounslow by the local CAMRA branch four times since 2003.

getwestlondon has attempted to contact Reuben Brothers, which owns the Wellington Pub Company, but has not received a response. We have also contacted the pub landlord, who has yet to respond to our enquiry.