November 11th 2024.
The Greenwich community is in mourning as they say goodbye to a beloved local establishment. The Star of Greenwich, a historical pub that has been a cornerstone of the community for over 200 years, has been forced to close its doors. It is a sad time for all, especially for Kirsty Dunlop, one of the three volunteers who have been running the pub.
Kirsty expressed her sadness over the closure, stating that the pub was a place full of friendships and memories. She also shared that they were unable to fulfill their original goal for the pub, which was to bring the community together. The Star of Greenwich had been operating as a not-for-profit cooperation for the past year, but unfortunately, it was not enough to keep the pub afloat.
The volunteers fear that this may be the end for the beloved institution. The pub was not just a place for drinks, but it also served as a hub for community groups and events. However, despite their best efforts and hard work, the volunteers were unable to secure additional funding, even after applying for community funds.
Kirsty explained that the pub was more than just a place to grab a pint. It was also used for various activities, such as a children's club, a language course, and a refugee cafe. It was a building that was constantly buzzing with people and events. However, last month, the pub's landlord, Greenwich Hospital, asked for the remaining rent arrears to be paid back by mid-November, and the pub was unable to comply.
The landlord, Greenwich Hospital, is an independent charity that supports naval personnel and their families. According to BBC News, it operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Defence. Kirsty, along with Lisa Donohoe and James Gadsby Peet, took over the pub in 2023 and turned it into a not-for-profit cooperative. They had high hopes for the pub's future, even planning to buy the building eventually.
However, things did not go as planned, and the volunteers found themselves struggling to keep the pub open. They had agreed to pay half of the rent each month, with the understanding that they would secure additional funding. This included applying for the government's community ownership fund, but they had not heard back on their application.
Kirsty shared that there is no bad blood between the volunteers and Greenwich Hospital. She understood that they had to pay the rent, but unfortunately, they were unable to do so. The volunteers had put in a lot of time and effort to make the pub financially sustainable, but it was not enough. They were now left with no choice but to close the pub.
The loss of the Star of Greenwich would be felt by the entire community. The pub had been a gathering place for generations, and it was a significant loss for many. Despite the closure, Kirsty remains hopeful and is determined to fight to save the pub. They have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money, and the community has already shown their support.
Kirsty expressed her gratitude for the community's help and support, but unfortunately, the pub still needs a significant amount to be saved. The volunteers are not giving up, and they are determined to find a solution. The Star of Greenwich may have closed its doors, but its legacy will live on in the memories of those who have spent time there.
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