The Battle of Trafalgar (Tavern)! London pub boasting one of Britain's best beer gardens is under threat from killjoy council

Daily Mail​

03-06-2025

One of Britain's most popular beer gardens is under threat after a council moved to remove its outdoor tables following a series of complaints.
The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich, south-east London, is often hailed among the nation's most picturesque spots for a pint - showcasing views over the Thames and towards Canary Wharf and the Shard.
But the historic Grade II-listed venue's outdoor seating could soon be axed after a local authority issued an enforcement notice.
The Trafalgar Tavern's al fresco tables are located on the Thames Path, a narrow walkway running along the banks of the capital's river.
Greenwich council has told of receiving complaints about access - and officials suggest the seating restricts movement for pedestrians, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.
The authority added that it was 'important that everyone can use [the path] easily' - and that a 'balance' was needed.
But among those now hitting back is the pub's landlord Frank Dowling, who has been in charge since 2001, as well as its manager Vasil Vasilev.
Mr Dowling said removing the tables would only create a 'different problem' and could also mean he has to lose some staff.
He said: 'If you don't have tables and chairs there, you're going to have tons of people standing around drinking.
'Vertical drinking is not something that works for us. That causes a different problem.
'If we lose the structure, we lose control of the environment. People will just gather there anyway, but without the order that tables and service provide.
'We have unbelievable staff, and we're very proud of them. They're hardworking people - young people, old people. They're very good people.'
Manager Mr Vasilev, 41, who has worked at the pub since 2017, said the council had told them the outdoor seating also restricts emergency vehicles from accessing a ramp - which he claims is already inaccessible due to a parking metre blocking it.
Mr Vasilev added: 'It would absolutely damage tourism in the area, without any valid reasons whatsoever.
'It's just ridiculous. We are not blocking pedestrian access - there's plenty of room.
'There are three or four metres of access. We are a family-friendly pub - we have large groups of runners, mothers with prams.
'There is plenty of space outside. The reasons [for the enforcement notice] don't make much sense.
The Trafalgar Tavern has been widely praised for its London riverside setting
'People like coming here because of what we offer, but we wouldn't be able to offer it anymore [if the enforcement notice went ahead].'
Posting about the proposed ban on Facebook, the Trafalgar Tavern claimed Greenwich council was 'demanding' the outdoor seating be removed.
The pub suggested the move risked 'threatening a space that's brought joy to locals, tourists and the wider community'.
Mr Dowling said the area remained open to the public and was cleaned and jet-washed by staff several times a week.
The pub sits on a section of the Thames Path which Mr Dowling says he leased from the Greenwich Foundation, a naval charity that supports the upkeep of historic buildings in the area.
The landlord claims that the rent is paid annually to the foundation and that the pub has legal tenure over the space used for outdoor seating.
In addition to the lease, Mr Dowling said the pub entered into a formal agreement with Greenwich council in 2005 under a Section 16 arrangement.
As part of that deal, the pub allegedly paid for improvement works to the area outside its front door, including resurfacing, landscaping and changes to a public highway.
Mr Dowling said the works were paid for entirely by the pub and carried out with council involvement and approval.
One local resident told MailOnline: 'It's a great space but I can understand that additional benches have made it horrendously crowded - especially on a sunny day.
'It's a narrow path along there anyway.'
The Trafalgar Tavern's owners previously had a bid for a new nearby pub called the Ship Tavern, beside the river and the historic Cutty Sark vessel, rejected last year.
A Greenwich council spokesperson said: 'We're really proud of Greenwich Town Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by millions of people every year.
'Tourists love the vibrant businesses and beautiful scenery, and we do too.
'That's why we're committed to making sure the area is as accessible as possible, for everyone to enjoy.
'Whilst it's not always appropriate to comment on individual cases, we know that The Trafalgar Tavern is a much-loved, historic venue.
'But we have had some complaints about the extended outdoor seating onto the Thames Path and so there needs to be a balance.
'The Thames Path is very narrow, and it's important that everyone can use it easily - including people in wheelchairs, the elderly or people with pushchairs.
'There are planning policies in place that we need to follow, but we're confident we'll find a sensible solution that doesn't stop people enjoying the pub's view, or using the Thames Path.'
Representations opposing the notice can be submitted to the council's planning inspectorate until June 12, quoting appeal reference APP/E5330/C/25/3364847.