News / Barton Hill
Residents fight to prevent another pub from being turned into flats
The last pub standing in one area of Bristol is at the risk of being turned into flats.
It’s a familiar story. But remarkably, a campaign by residents to prevent the loss of this pub has already been featured on GB News.
The application for consideration by Bristol City Council is to turn the Rhubarb Tavern in Barton Hill into flats as well as building more flats on the land behind the historic pub.
is needed now More than ever
Campaigners are inviting anyone to meet at the pub on Queen Ann Road at 2pm on Sunday for a community canvas, going door-to-door in Barton Hill to distribute flyers.
They are also looking to continue the momentum built so far and start a petition in support of saving the Rhubarb.
https://www.facebook.com/jms666/videos/10158134573948359
Writing on the Facebook group, We <3 The Rhubarb Tavern, Garry Buck said: “We have no pubs left in Barton Hill now. The Lord Nelson, The Swan and The Russell, all closed over the last few years. The Royal Table also closed, but that was much longer ago.
“Barton Hill is full of flats, why do we need more? It’s ridiculous at this stage. Well done to all for doing this, and I hope it pays dividends.”
Teresa Smith added: “We can’t let it be taken away from us us without a fight it’s the only bit of history we have left in Barton Hill…
“I think you’ll find it all happens in the rhubarb it’s our history and to take it away us it’s so very sad and cruel.”
The Rhubarb Tavern is a traditional Victorian pub and the last pub standing in Barton Hill – photo: Ellie Pipe
Martin Smith said that “too much history has been wiped out of Barton Hill”.
He said: “Since moving here in 1977 with my wife we have seen immense change, Hardly anything for the good.
For older Barton Hill folk it must be heartbreaking.
“Enough is enough. The last pub on the Hill must NOT become another piece of erased Barton Hill history. We owe it to the people who will be here in the future to keep at least some small part of the Hill’s social history. Plus it’s a darn fine pub.”
Inside the Rhubarb Tavern in 2019 – photo: Emily Spivey
When they visited the Rhubarb in 2018, beer writers Boak & Bailey wrote that it was “a rare survivor – an old backstreet pub that hasn’t gentrified or closed down, where locals still drink”.
Chris Goodsall Architects said that nearby residents were approached about the development proposals but “none of those responding was against the loss of the pub” because it was “found to be a source of noise and antisocial behaviour”.
Campaigners wanting to save the Rhubarb, however, say that this is not accurate, claiming that they were not consulted on the plans before they were submitted to the city council.
Plans are to turn the Rhubarb Tavern into flats and also build more flats on land behind the pub – image: CGA Architects
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
Read more: Pub of the Week: The Rhubarb Tavern
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
