The Kenley Hotel, a historic pub in Croydon with strong ties to the Royal Air Force, has remained boarded up since August last year, sparking a community-led campaign to save it. Hundreds of residents are backing efforts to reopen the venue as a multi-generational community hub.
Campaign for Asset of Community Value
Fareita Yudoh, a Kenley resident, along with the Kenley and District Residents’ Association (KENDRA), has submitted an application for the pub to be designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This status would ensure the building continues to serve as a community pub for at least five years, preventing its conversion into a supermarket or other use not needed in the area.
Fareita explained, "This means its use as a community pub has to continue for the next five years. So even if we as a community can't afford to buy the freehold and run it as a community pub, someone else could come along and run it as a pub rather than a supermarket or something that is not needed in Kenley."
The campaign group, which has over 150 members, is also establishing a Community Benefit Society (CBS) to support the ACV application. This democratic, not-for-profit model allows the community to own and run local assets on a one-member, one-vote basis, with an asset lock preventing private sale or profit.
RAF Heritage and Community Vision
The Kenley Hotel has a rich history dating back to the Victorian era and shares strong links with the RAF due to its proximity to Kenley Aerodrome, used during World War II. The pub's sign features the iconic Spitfire fighter plane. Fareita recounted a local story: "Apparently during the Second World War, people having a drink in the Kenley Hotel would dive into the caves opposite when the air raids were happening and then come back and continue with their pint."
KENDRA's ambitions extend beyond reopening the pub. Fareita envisions transforming the building into a multi-purpose community venue serving Kenley's 14,000 residents. Ideas include podcasting studios, co-working spaces, wraparound care for local schools, revision clubs, hobby evenings, and social events. The venue's proximity to Kenley Station makes it easily accessible.
Uncertain Future
The building's future depends on brewing giant Heineken and its freeholding pub arm, Star Pubs. Fareita expressed frustration with communication, stating, "I have been calling, chasing them on LinkedIn and leaving messages left, right and centre." Star Pubs confirmed that plans are on hold following the death of the previous licensee during their tenancy. A spokesperson said, "We are working with solicitors and have been advised that until the matter of the existing leasehold agreement and legal obligations around it are resolved, which they are endeavouring to do, we cannot consider any future plans for the pub."
Despite this, the group remains determined. Fareita noted support from successful pub-saving ACV campaigns in Brighton. A video by campaigner Ian Anderson featuring local voices further galvanized residents. One contributor, Paul, said, "Once you lose something that is a place where people meet, then other things start to go as well because there is no reason for people to come here."
Croydon Council has until June 26 to decide on the ACV status.
