SE23 Forum

Wetherspoons has put The Capitol up for sale.

https://www.thecaterer.com/news/jd-wethe...tim-martin

Wasn't it basically decided last time they the place is virtually unsellable? There is structural issues and it is a listed building

And it's sold!
https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/23302...new-buyer/

It is under offer and they are open to other offers

I do hope it doesn't become a church.
It would be fantastic if it could become something 'like' wetherspoons that offers a place for locals of all ages to go, get affordable hot food and have a drink it would also be good if it offered employment opportunities to local people

I so hope it doesn't become a church either. And that it remains a pub/ bar or restaurant for us local folk. It could be so amazing. It's beautiful in there.

Agree, Its beautiful inside.
And most importantly provides an affordable warm (in winter) place for locals of all ages to eat, drink and socialise.

I heard that the Capitol is closing this month - is that true..? What a loss and terrible shame if so.
Can't see any planning details on Lewisham council website as there seems to be some web maintenance forn10 days or something

" I heard that the Capitol is closing this month "

If that is the case, I bet the owners will be feeling a sense of relief in not having to pay the heating bill for another winter. Given that heat rises, and the amount of space above head height, can you imagine the cost of wasted (rising) heat is in that magnificently voluminous place!

I always wondered how Wetherspoons, who provide such great value for money, could be viable in a premises like that with such massive overheads - and I suppose the crazy increases in commercial electricity and gas prices throughout the last year or so must've taken a big chunk out of any profits.

They don't like charging customers 20% VAT on food while supermarkets sell food at zero % VAT.

Closing down Sunday 15 October. Get your cheapbeer and bad food while you can, and admire the amazing interior. Who knows if we'll ever get to see it again. Lovely building. I'm no fan of spoons but they kept the building in use for a long time.

I think that'll be a sad day for Forest Hill because I doubt if the place will be put to better use [for the people of Forest Hill] whilst the economy's in the doldrums, which could be for some time to come.

Agree.
Especially with winter on the horizon it was a good place for locals with less money or who are older or live alone to be warm, get a cheap hot meal and talk to someone.
Also the students/young people that go there on friday and weekends for cheap booze,
where will they go?
Tho not a customer there (I've been once! fantastic interior) I really appreciate what it brings to the local community.
Also sad that the staff will be made redundant in the run up to Christmas.
I wish they could have kept it trading until then at least

Well said!
I'm totally with you on all of those points - it's horrible.

Full of randoms tonight. It's packed.

Never seen it so full before couldn't find any where to sit.

It appears Trafalgar Limited have bought The Capitol as they've applied to Lewisham Council for changing the licence to sell alcohol to them.

I think it's these guys, Trafalgar Entertainment who will be taking over, they operate a boutique cinema in Chiswick and The Capitol's space would be an excellent space to convert it back into a cinema/bar.

https://www.trafalgarentertainment.com/o...p/cinemas/

I would suggest that the application for change of licensed areas without any planning application for layout changes, would suggest that the building will reopen as a pub and not as a cinema, at least not in the short term.

But the involvement of Trafalgar Entertainment does suggest that they will continue to look at opportunities to bring theatre or cinema to the site, if possible and subject to the listing of the building.

Good news!

Unless Trafalgar have bought an extension on the lease (that expires 28th September 2025) then anything they do will be short-term.

(https://assets.savills.com/properties/GB...apitol.pdf)