Hammersmith Ram pub faces enforcement after becoming discount store

Hammersmith and Fulham Council is considering enforcement action against the owner of the former Hammersmith Ram pub after the historic building was transformed into a discount store without the necessary planning permission. The freeholder, Arora Family, has been given until September 22 to respond to the council's concerns.

History of the Hammersmith Ram

The Hammersmith Ram, located on King Street, has a history dating back to the 18th century when it was known as The Great Angel. The current building was constructed in 1930. Young & Co.’s Brewery purchased the pub in 1966, renaming it The Builders Arms the same year, before it became the Hammersmith Ram in 1996.

The pub was sold in July to Arora Family, an Ealing-based real estate business. Within weeks of the sale, the premises reopened as a 'Discount Store' selling a range of items. This change from a public house to a retail unit has caused concern due to the loss of a community venue and the apparent lack of planning permission for the change of use.

Council's next steps

For the premises to operate as a store, the freeholder should have applied to Hammersmith and Fulham Council for a change of use. It appears this process was not followed. If no response is received from Arora Family by September 22, the council's next step could involve issuing a stop notice or seeking a court injunction.

Arora Family stated that they intended the premises to remain as a pub and are in the process of finding a new hospitality provider. They claim the current occupier was introduced on a temporary basis after squatters occupied the building. The freeholder is reportedly reviewing the situation, as it appears the occupier acted outside the terms of their agreement.

Conflicting information exists regarding the company operating the discount store. While the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told the store is run by Retail 11, an employee on-site stated that Nyra is the operating company. This employee also claimed the store has permission to operate and expects to be there long-term, contradicting the freeholder's account.

Arora Family did not respond to questions regarding Retail 11, Nyra, or the appropriateness of the current occupier given the intention to run the premises as a pub. Neither Retail 11 nor Nyra could be contacted for comment.

Local councillors' concerns

Local ward councillors Callum Nimmo and Molly Mantle expressed their disappointment. They stated it is "extremely disappointing to see [the pub] close and then, seemingly without any public notice or consultation, quickly open as a shop." They added that residents and businesses are expected to follow rules, and this situation should be no different. The councillors noted that this occurs at a time when saving pubs is a national priority, making the loss of a historic venue like the Hammersmith Ram particularly regrettable.

What happens next

Arora Family has until September 22 to respond to Hammersmith and Fulham Council. The council will then determine what enforcement action, if any, to take regarding the change of use at the former Hammersmith Ram pub.