After Clement Ogbonnaya’s previous attempt to purchase the freehold of the Queen of the South pub was turned down, there was a surprising turn of events. The major pub group that acquired the freehold reconsidered their decision and reopened negotiations.
The Queen of the South, a beloved South London pub and event space, faced the threat of closure when Young’s Pubs took ownership of the freehold. Founder Clement criticized the pub group for its actions, sparking a community movement to “Save Our Queen.”
The situation unfolded on July 28 when Clement Ogbonnaya, the owner of The Queen of the South, alerted the public about the potential closure through an Instagram video. Clement, a prominent figure in the South London community and founder of The Village People pub group, which includes Queen of the South and Prince of Peckham, appealed for support to preserve the space.
In addition to being a pub, Queen of the South serves as a co-working space and hosts various community and youth events. The establishment frequently collaborates with local artists, designers, and musicians. The concern over The Queen arose following an incident involving a family leaving a pub without paying for their meal.
In a passionate video message, Clement disclosed that he had been given a tight deadline to purchase the freehold from an unnamed pub group. Despite feeling embarrassed to seek help, he offered individuals a chance to invest in the venue to raise necessary funds.
In an interview with The Mirror, Clement described the overwhelming community response to his video as humbling. The outpouring of support included offers of legal assistance, investment proposals, and requests to reveal the identity of the pub group involved.
Despite facing initial rejection of their offer to the pub corporation, Clement later confirmed that Young’s Pub was the group that had acquired the freehold. Young’s spokesperson acknowledged the significance of The Queen of the South in the local community and assured ongoing discussions with Clement to ensure the pub’s continuity under current management.
Clement expressed skepticism about Young’s intentions, questioning their commitment to the community. He emphasized the importance of serving the local area rather than catering solely to more affluent demographics, as Young’s other establishments might suggest.
Following continued negotiations, it was revealed that Clement’s offer had been accepted, securing the future of The Queen of the South. Young’s Pub confirmed the agreement, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the pub as an integral part of the community. Clement shared the positive development with followers on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the resolution.
While celebrating this success, Clement acknowledged the challenges ahead, including the need to raise additional funds. Despite the obstacles, the community’s support has been a driving force for Clement, reinforcing his commitment to preserving The Queen of the South as a community asset.
The story serves as a testament to the power of community activism and engagement in preserving local establishments like The Queen of the South and its sister venue, Prince of Peckham, ensuring their continued success and contribution to the community.