A local friend of mine mentioned yesterday that the DA is closing down on Aug 28th and the Sylvan Post is not going to reopen. I haven’t seen anything about this elsewhere though. Nothing on their websites or social media. Has anyone else heard anything similar?
I know that Antic were looking to sell the Post some time ago and there’s been a for sale sign outside the DA. Given the current circumstances, it may have forced a decision for both pubs.
Well I hope someone buys the DA and keeps it running - it’s been there since 1815!
Seems that the lease on the DA may have expired or will soon so that may be the reason. As you say, hopefully someone will take it on. And maybe give it a bit of a spruce up. It’s my favourite Forest Hill pub. But I wouldn’t object if they redecorated a bit.
I emailed Antic a week ago about The Post and Anthony said:
“We are looking at an opening date later this month and shall update the website as soon as this is fixed.“
Oh that’s good news.
I am crossing every crossable extremity that both of these places will pull through – particularly the Sylvan Post, as it offers an alternative pub/bar experience, and is fully my favourite local.
We love the Sylvan Post.
Frankly we went to the DA a few times when we moved here (9years ago) but have never really liked it and used to prefer the much missed (by us anyway) Hob.
When Sylvan post opened that became our local of choice
It is the best pub in Forest Hill. Such a lovely atmosphere. Hope this is not true.
Sylvan is my 2nd fave behind the Dartmouth. Main issue is they need to invest in some furniture! There is a happy medium between shabby chic and broken chairs!
We like the DA especially for meals. It would be a shame to lose it.
I saw a bit of activity in the Sylvan Post when I drove past it a couple of hours ago. It looked like someone might have been doing some sign-writing in the windows, though I didn’t really have time to assess whether what was in the windows was different from what I remember, and the doors were open, so that may be encouraging.
I was at Dartmouth Arms yesterday and spoke to the team about what’s happening.
They will be closing tomorrow or next Wednesday, it was unclear which, and it will likely be closed for a short period whilst they look for someone else to take it on.
Sadly not the best time to be taking on a pub, especially heading in to winter. I think it will unfortunately be closed for quite a while.
I think for young healthy people who are not worried about Covid-19, these times could provide fantastic business opportunities - shops, pubs, offices, industrial units, available in London at much lower rates than for many years.
Our economic model relies on cyclic events (including disasters) to continuously renew the makeup of the economy and to replace coasting businesses with thriving businesses, and to re-jig people into jobs that suit them best. Inertia is the enemy of happiness.
Every recession seems like the end of the world at the time, but for those of us who’ve lived through some big ones, we know there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m not sure they are planning on dropping the rent or rates for the Devonshire Arms
Many years ago - back in the 80s/90s - the DA went into quite a bad state of disrepair and general scruffiness after being a perfectly good local. Someone took it on and brought it round albeit still quite tatty with bands playing in the car park. Takings went up and the brewery upped the rent and it closed. Then the guy who owns the DA and then bought the Dolphin in Sydenham came along and turned it into a great gastropub. It may look tired now but I’ve always enjoyed the food. I understand The Dolphin has had a revamp recently. Does it still have the same owner?
The person I spoke to yesterday mentioned they had 2 other pubs, so it sounds like it’s the same people. I didn’t ask why they decided to let this one go…
The space isn’t huge and could be difficult to run profitably in a socially-distanced way.