Thousands of residents in High Barnet are rallying to save one of their area's most historic pubs, The Black Horse, from potential redevelopment after it closed its doors earlier this year.
Community Rallies Behind Historic Local
More than 2,320 people have signed a petition urging Barnet Council to grant The Black Horse Pub special protection. The pub, believed to have been established in 1720 and located at the junction of Wood Street and Union Street, ceased trading in September.
Owner Star Pubs has confirmed it is seeking a new operator after the previous leaseholder vacated the premises. However, local residents and councillors fear that without official protection, the historic site could be sold for purposes other than a pub.
The Power of 'Asset of Community Value' Status
The campaign seeks to have the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This status gives community groups the right to bid for the property if it is put up for sale, effectively pausing any immediate sale for redevelopment.
High Barnet ward councillor, Emma Whysall, is supporting the campaign. She highlighted the success of a previous ACV application for Tudor Hall, which gave Barnet Museum crucial time to explore purchasing the historic building.
"ACV status can help save pubs and other spaces the community cares about," Cllr Whysall stated. "The government is currently legislating for a longer period for community groups to raise the funds... If the Black Horse does become an ACV, that could be an option for us."
Next Steps for the Campaign
Olly Gough, the local resident who started the petition, emphasised that the immediate goal is to formally submit the ACV application. "We need 21 local people to back it and as many stories as possible from those who’ve used the Black Horse over the years," he said. "That’s the evidence that makes the difference."
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Barnet Council confirmed that no formal application has been received yet, but that the process would begin once one is submitted. The community's fight mirrors a successful effort last year to protect the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet with ACV status.
