Popular Greenwich pub fights order to remove riverside seating
The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich is appealing an enforcement notice by Greenwich Council ordering the removal of its outdoor seating area which extends onto the Thames Path.
The council argues that the pub's use of the riverside walkway for tables and chairs restricts access for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
It also claims the furniture adds visual clutter to the historic area, which sits within the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.
The council said: 'We confident we'll find a sensible solution that doesn't stop people enjoying the pub's view, or using the Thames Path."
The Trafalgar Tavern was built in 1837 and is a Grade II listed pub located directly on the River Thames.
The venue's outdoor seating has long been a draw for locals and visitors, offering picturesque views across the water.
It was recently named number 14 in Enjoy Travel's list of the 30 Best Beer Gardens in Great Britain with the extended seating along the Thames being a key highlight.
The Trafalgar Tavern wrote on Facebook: 'Thank you to everyone who's voted for us as Best Beer Garden, Best Pub with Views and Best Pub to Sit Outside In – and to Enjoy Travel for naming us no.14 in their 30 Best Beer Gardens in Great Britain!
'It's an honour to be recognised for our riverside space – a spot enjoyed by generations and one of London's most iconic places for an al fresco pint by the Thames.
'Sadly, while visitors celebrate what makes the Trafalgar special, Greenwich Council has served an Enforcement Notice demanding we remove our outdoor seating, threatening a space that's brought joy to locals, tourists and the wider community for decades.'
This section of seating is what is subject to the enforcement and is situated on a narrow part of the Thames Path which is a public right of way.
The council says it has received complaints, and that the area must remain accessible to all users, including wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.
Representations opposing the notice can be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate until June 12, 2025.
Anyone wishing to comment must quote appeal reference APP/E5330/C/25/3364847 or case number 3364847.
A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich 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."
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