Pub that shut down after ‘bloody brawls’ gets licence to reopen

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

A popular community pub has got its licence back after new owners promise to transform it into a gastropub.

The Tigerlily, formerly known as The Vale, in Lilian Road, Streatham, has been granted a seven-day-a-week alcohol licence between the hours of 11am to 11pm.

The venue was stripped of its licence last April after two serious assaults occurred in the premises in three months. One brawl in March saw blood smeared on the windows, with glass and chairs smashed in the pub.

Star Pubs and Bars Ltd, the owners of the Tigerlilly, have told councils the new venue will cater to a more diverse clientele rather than rowdy weekend punters.

In the licensing application, George Domleo, representing the owner said: “The opening hours from 8am would allow the premises to serve coffee, and cater to parents dropping off children at the nearby nursery. If the local community doesn’t use the pub, it won’t survive.

“The next nearest pub was the Railway Inn, half a mile away by Streatham Common Station, which had also had a troubled past but managed to turn things around, and Star Pubs and Bars expected to have similar success here.

“Representations received, raised concerns about vandalism and litter, which had arisen since the pub had closed, this is common when premises are closed, and reopening would allow staff to move on undesirable elements and clean up on a daily basis. Keeping the pub closed would likely maintain the current status, with increased litter and vandalism. With local community support, it was believed that the pub could return to its previous good footing.”

The revamped Tigerlilly is set to feature a more relaxed ambiance with a greater space for seated attendance. This emphasis on seated attendance was one of a number of measures put forward by the owners to try and address the issues of anti-social behaviour that plagued the previous occupants.

Other measures include regular ID checks, pre-booked tables, CCTV and a more stringent door policy.

In their application, the owners showed their intention to transform the pub’s reputation. The application stated: “Star Pubs and Bars Ltd are keen to find the right price point, to deter undesirables without excluding the local community, and entry-level lager would be £5.20, similar to the Railway Inn down the road, up to £6.65 for premium pints.”

In their reasons for granting the application, Merton council’s licensing sub-committee cited the benefit the pub would bring to the local community if properly run. It also stated it felt the new owners would be capable of limiting anti-social behaviour and upholding the licensing objectives.

The pub, once known as the Mitcham Mint, does not currently have management. Once occupied it has a licence to open seven days a week from 8.30am to 11.30pm.

Pictured top: The Vale in Streatham has had its licence revoked by Merton Council (Picture: Google Street View)