Disappointment writ large in Thornton Heath, where locals are to be denied the re-opening of an old boozer by a trendy pub chain.
The Thomas Farley: plucked
Instead, it looks like they are to get yet another fried chicken outlet. Yum!
The landmark pub the Thomas Farley closed last July, but in January this year the Antic chain – the people behind the popular Shelverdine Goathouse in South Norwood and the recently opened Walker Briggs in Crystal Palace – successfully sought planning permission for use as a pub and a social hall.
But this week, Antic confirmed local rumours that talks with the property owners had broken down.
Anthony Thomas, the founder of Antic London, said, “We had agreed terms to lease the pub element and were about to complete when the landlord pulled out. It is entirely within their gift to resurrect the deal, but as it stands we will not be taking the pub despite our efforts to do so.”
Local community groups had pinned their hopes on Antic helping to give the area a bit of a boost, encouraging other businesses to take up the numerous empty premises in and around the High Street.
The suggestion now is that the property’s owners have sealed a more lucrative deal with a takeway chicken business.
“So cross about this!” one resident said.
“The last thing Thornton Heath needs is another one of these establishments with all the litter it brings.”
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No fried chicken outlet, never was on the books, never has been and never will. I am not sure where you got this information from but it is not true. The owners of the pub say they have never been contacted by a chicken shop. This rumour was squashed months ago.
So any ideas what is happening with it instead?