Battle to protect 300-year-old pub

By Gbam Godwin On Nov 20, 2025

Battle to protect 300-year-old pub.

Thousands of north London people have signed a petition urging Barnet Council to protect one of the borough’s oldest pubs.

The Black Horse Pub, which is thought to have been founded in 1720, closed its doors in September.

Following the departure of the previous leaseholder, owner Star Pubs indicated that it was in the process of seeking a new operator.

Residents and councillors have expressed worry that without “asset of community value” (ACV) designation, which allows the community to bid on the land if it is put up for sale, the pub may be sold for redevelopment.

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The petition to rescue the bar, which is located at the corner of Wood Street and Union Street, has received over 2,300 signatures.

Emma Whysall, a High Barnet councillor, has previously supported a request to grant ACV status to Tudor Hall, which was formerly a schoolhouse and granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1573. She stated, “ACV status can assist save pubs and other facilities that the community values.

“It gave Barnet Museum time to explore Tudor Hall and do due diligence.” The government is currently enacting legislation to offer community groups more time to raise funds and assess the profitability of a purchase, thus levelling the playing field with commercial enterprises.

“If the Black Horse does become an ACV, that could be an option for us if the legislation is passed in time.”