Asset of Community Value status upheld for Camden Black Cap
The Black Cap in Camden has had its Asset of Community Value status upheld at appeal.
The London’s pub was built in 1889, and was one of London’s oldest continually operating LGBT venues, after it became popular with gay men in the 1960s.
However, the Black Cap pub closed its doors in April after a battle over a proposed redevelopment which lasted several months.
The plans for the future of the building have since be shrouded in mystery, with protests to ensure its future as a gay venue.
Twelve squatters occupied the site earlier year – but it was later revealed that the potential new owners plan to lease it to café chain Breakfast Club.
Campaigners to have the ACV status upheld today announced on Facebook that, despite an appeal filed through current owners Faucet Inn,
The nominators, the Camden LGBT Forum, celebrated that the whole venue had been protected with ACV status.
It was understood that the appeal had asked for the space protected by the ACV be reduced to protect only part of the venue, opening the way for redevelopment.
Nigel Harris, of the Forum, told PinkNews: “I am thrilled with our nomination being upheld. Everyone at Camden LGBT Forum and WeAreTheBlackCap has worked very hard to fight the appeal. Despite the appellants top team of lawyers the community message came through.
Mr Harris warned, however: “The fight isn’t over. The next step is to convince the existing owner that the sale is no longer viable. Considering the ACV status we believe the best course of action for everyone is to reopen the venue as soon as possible. So many of us have lost our family. A place to be ourselves. A place to meet others. With potential patrons queuing up to buy a drink there is no fear of financial viability – so we call on Kicking Horse and Faucet Inns to reopen the Cap as soon as possible.”
It is possible for the owners to go through the courts to appeal the decision again.
Earlier this year, in a comment piece for the Kentish Towner, Breakfast Club founder Jonathan Arana-Morton made the revelation that his company planned to lease the space from Camden Securities, once the sale was finalised.
