Two days after Clement Ogbonnaya’s attempt to purchase the freehold of the Queen of the South pub was turned down, there was a surprising turn of events. The major pub group that acquired the freehold reconsidered their decision.
The beloved South London pub and event venue faced the risk of closure following the acquisition of the freehold by Young’s Pubs. Founder Clement criticized the pub group for disregarding community interests, leading to a quick response from the South London community to ‘Save Our Queen.’
The controversy began on Monday, July 28, when Clement Ogbonnaya, the owner of The Queen of the South, revealed the potential closure in an Instagram video. Clement, a prominent figure in the South London community and the founder of The Village People pub group, which includes Queen of the South in Tulse Hill and Prince of Peckham, expressed concern.
Queen of the South, aside from being a pub, serves as a co-working space and hosts various community and youth events. The establishment also collaborates with local artists, designers, and musicians. The situation at The Queen unfolded following a separate incident where a family of 10 left a pub without paying after a hefty meal.
In his video appeal, Clement highlighted the tight deadline he was given to purchase the freehold from an undisclosed pub group. While admitting his discomfort in seeking help, he saw an opportunity for community members to invest in the space and secure funds for its preservation.
During an interview with The Mirror, Clement described the video as a form of therapy and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support. The video garnered over 300,000 views within a week, leading to messages offering legal advice, investment proposals, and demands to disclose the pub group’s identity.
Despite facing challenges, including the rejection of their final offer to the pub corporation, Clement revealed that Young’s Pub was the buyer of the freehold. Young’s spokesperson acknowledged the importance of The Queen of the South pub in Tulse Hill and assured ongoing discussions with Clement for its continued operation under current management.
Clement remained skeptical of Young’s intentions, questioning their commitment to the local community. While uncertain about the future of The Queen, he emphasized the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes.
In a recent update on August 8, it was confirmed that Clement’s offer to buy the freehold of the Queen of the South pub was accepted by Young’s. Clement expressed relief and appreciation for Young’s cooperation in resolving the situation.
Looking ahead, the group aims to raise £500,000, with 15% of the required funds already secured privately. A potential investor dinner is scheduled to further secure investments. The success story of The Queen of the South, along with its sister venue, Prince of Peckham, reflects resilience and community support in overcoming challenges.
