THE new owner of the historic Plough Inn pub and music venue intends to convert it into ten flats, according to a letter sent to staff.
The correspondence, seen by the Guardian, says that an application for the development will be made early in the new year, with the properties selling for around £210,000 each.
Regulars and much of the borough's music community have been fearing the worst about the future of the pub, in Walthamstow's Wood Street, since rumours of its closure began to circulate earlier this month.
Its new owner, developers Customhouse Properties Ltd, has been unavailable for comment to confirm the authenticity of the hand-written letter.
However the Guardian understands that none of the current staff have had any other contact from the company, and have not been asked to return to work in the new year.
The Plough, which is at least 150 years old, was sold for around £600,000 to £750,000 according to sources and already has six flats on its first floor.
The pub has gained a reputation in recent years for live music, and regularly hosts performances and music clubs on an almost daily basis.
The Guardian understands many of these groups are now looking for alternative venues to host their regular events despite the continuing uncertainty.
Graham Larkbey, who organises the monthly 'Tunnel Vision' night of live music at the Plough, said: “Too many pubs and venues are closing, and we can ill afford to lose yet another one.
“The fact that nobody seems able to tell us what's going to happen to the Plough after New Year doesn't help anyone.”
Meanwhile former co-owner Edward Sline has expressed his sadness at the sale of the pub.
He said: “We didn't want to sell but it was just non-viable.
“We bought it eight years ago and we tried building it up but as soon as you open the doors these days you're losing money.
“It was getting harder and harder. It's been very difficult with business rates getting so high, inflated beer prices and so on.”
Many are already describing New Year's Eve as the “final night” of the Plough.
The new owners will come to the pub on Saturday December 18 at 8pm to discuss the plans with staff and regulars, according to the letter.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel