A 300-year-old pub in west London has been abruptly closed and replaced by a discount store just days later, drawing sharp criticism from local residents who called the move "absolutely shameful." The Hammersmith Ram pub served its last pint on July 26, with owner Young's citing a "careful review" that led to the permanent closure.
The transition from a historic pub to a discount store selling items such as suitcases, kitchenware, and decorative pieces has prompted an investigation by Hammersmith & Fulham Council for a potential planning breach, as no change of use application was reportedly submitted. The property's freehold was acquired by Hammersmith Realty Ltd, which is controlled by Amin Properties Holdings Ltd and Arora Family Legacy Ltd.
Residents expressed dismay over the rapid change. "It's absolutely terrible. We've got one of those [discount stores] just up the road," said local Tony Lewis, a former patron who used to enjoy Sunday lunch at the pub. He added that the street is already saturated with similar shops, lamenting the loss of a "gorgeous pub."
Sandra and Bill Orr, who had visited the pub a week prior to its closure, described their upset. "It's just putting this road down every time. They're just opening up make-do shops all the time," Sandra Orr stated.
Eighty-one-year-old resident Hutchinson called the new shop "disgusting," expressing disbelief at the swift replacement. "It's not good for the community. I don't think it should be allowed."
Arora Family, partially controlled by Josh Ajit Singh Arora, owns a significant number of commercial properties in west London. Amin Properties is reportedly controlled by Parth Dinubhai Amin.
Other former patrons, Joanne and Anne from Shepherd's Bush, found the closure "sad," noting they would travel to Hammersmith specifically for the pub. "Now it's another pop-up shop. It is a shame," they commented.
Michael Pirth, 77, questioned the need for another discount store on King Street, calling the pub's closure "a loss to the community." He added, "I would have thought they would have done something better with it."
Some locals, however, were more accepting of the change. John and Darren, who purchased items from the new store, acknowledged the difficulties facing the pub industry and appreciated finding a "bargain." "The pub industry's gone hasn't it really. It's a good little shop, so, if you want a bargain," one of them remarked.
A spokesperson for Young's stated, "The Hammersmith Ram was a much-loved part of Young's... we regularly review our portfolio of pubs and on this occasion, unfortunately a decision was made to close the business." The company affirmed its support for pubs as community centers. Discount Store declined to comment on the situation.