London’s George Tavern venue has been saved following years of extensive campaigning, it has been announced.
The historic East End pub – a Grade II listed building – was threatened with closure due to new housing developments nearby, with developers wanting protection from noise complaints.
Over the course of a lengthy campaign to keep the venue open, the team gained support from artists such as John Cooper Clarke, Kaiser Chiefs, Lianne La Havas, and more.
Setting out to secure a rare landmark ruling, which was won by Ministry Of Sound in 2013, the George Tavern has now become the second-ever venue in the UK to win a Deed of Easement bill.
“We’re thrilled to announce that, after years of campaigning, THE GEORGE TAVERN HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY SAVED,” a statement reads on the venue’s Facebook page.
“Yesterday, the deed of easement proposal was accepted by Tower Hamlets Council, protecting our live music operation!!”
The message continues: “We thank Ed Bayes, Culture at Risk Officer, in particular for all his efforts as well as Amy Lamé, Paul Broadhurst, Music Venue Trust and many more. Our achievements have set an important precedent in emboldening the Agent of Change principle for venues across the country.”
The George Tavern plan to celebrate the news and the end of the campaign with an event on March 15. “Thank you for all your support and see you there !!!” the post concludes.
Promoting the campaign back in 2014, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson said: “Live music is something this country should be very proud of. It does not start on the television screen, it starts on a sticky carpet in front of a dusty curtain.”