Member Article

Iconic east London pub given 'community asset' status amid demolition rumours

An east London venue, which hosted famous seventies bands such as Queen, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Status Quo, has been classified as a ‘community asset’ by Barking and Dagenham Council.

Known as the “Village Blues Club” from 1969 to 1975, The Roundhouse was expected to close last summer until a new publican took over the historic venue.

The new status means that the owners of the pub in Lodge Avenue will have to notify the council if they want to sell it so local community groups will have an opportunity to make an offer.

Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell, said: “This is a major step in protecting the Roundhouse where some of the greatest names in rock played.

“It would be scandalous to see this iconic east London venue lost to the community and London. It’s a part of British rock history and needs to be preserved.”

The decision by the council was in response to an application for Community Right to Bid for an Asset of Community Value Nomination by the South West Essex Branch of CAMRA – (Campaign for Real Ale).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .