A signed picture of Richard Wilson and Paul Merton at the Golden Lion pub

Published: 31 January, 2013
by TOM FOOT

ACTOR Richard Wilson has leapt to the defence of a “special” Camden Town pub after developers submitted plans in the Town Hall to convert it into flats.

The Golden Lion, in Royal College Street, Camden Town, provided the setting for the final episode of One Foot in the Grave, in which Mr Wilson starred as Victor Meldrew.

In a letter of support to the publican, Dave Murphy, Mr Wilson wrote: “I was very sorry to hear that you are under threat of closure. Of course the pub was very significant in the filming of One Foot in the Grave and will always have a special place in my heart. I hope something can be done to save it.”

Pints have been served in the striking gold and blue building in Royal College Street for more than 130 years. It is run by John and Mary Murphy who won the Camden Inner London Licensees Association’s “Landlord of the Year” award in 2011.

This week, Agents DRK Planning Ltd, acting on behalf of Norreys Barn Ltd, submitted proposals to change it into eight flats with a three-storey extension tacked on to the side of the building.

The company has already converted the former Parrs Head, just around the corner in Plender Street, into homes.

Norreys Barn snapped up the Golden Lion’s freehold in December 2011 and months later indicated it wanted to change the building into flats.

Publican Mr Murphy said: “Basically they have been advised to engage with the community and local patrons of the pub. As far as I can see there has been no known engagement with the local community or patrons with the pub. That’s totally disrespecting the people. They think they can bulldoze through people. It’s crazy.”

A report put together by Camden Council planning officials concluded that the Golden Lion must prove that it provides a “community role” by holding events such as public meetings or musical entertainment.

The report, compiled in June last year, which will be considered as part of the application, said that “levels of views to the contrary may occur as a result of the public consultation”.

More than 2,000 people have signed a petition against the closure of the Golden Lion – including actor Sean Bean.

Councillors, including former mayor of Camden Roger Robinson, have expressed concerns over the continued loss to the area’s night-time economy.

The plight of the ­Golden Lion was ­championed by former Camden Inner London Licensing Association chairman and World’s End landlord Mick Doheny, before his death late last year.

But the developers have told the council they have “strong evidence” that the Golden Lion does not provides a significant community role.

They have submitted a “sworn affadavit” to the Town Hall claiming its upstairs rooms have been used by a wholesale “clothes retailer” against the terms of its lease. Mr Murphy rejects these claims and is seeking legal advice.

A campaign that called on English Heritage to award the pub “listed” status proved unsuccessful, but the council is considering awarding it “local listing” protection.

A consultation on the application ends on February 12.