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Famous music pub faces uncertain future
27 November, 2009
Fears that the Half Moon, Putney, could become a gastropub after current tenant leaves
One of London’s most famous live music pubs faces an uncertain future as a gig venue and could become a gastropub.
The Half Moon, in Putney, South London, has hosted the likes of The Rolling Stones, U2, Small Faces, Kate Bush and Kasabian.
But current tenant James Harris is set to leave the pub in January and fears for its future as a music venue.
Harris, who has been at the pub for 10 years, has run into debt with owners Young’s, after falling behind on payments for beer.
He owes Young’s more than £100,000, according to the company.
Harris told The Publican: “The last year has been difficult. We are 20 per cent down on bar sales and have got into debt with Young’s. The recession and the smoking ban have not helped.”
Harris also blames major hikes in rent for his financial difficulties.
He is resigned to losing the iconic pub, but is determined it remains as a music venue, having heard that Young’s wants to convert it into a gastropub.
“I’m very passionate about music and we are desperately trying to make Young’s change their mind and keep it as a music pub,” said Harris.
“Putney does not need somewhere else to eat.”
But there could still be hope for the Half Moon as a gig venue – with plenty of backers already voicing their support.
BBC radio DJs Mark Radcliffe, Stuart Maconie and Bob Harris are also believed to have pledged their support.
And Putney MP Justine Greening and Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister have also spoken out.
A spokesman for Young’s said: “Young’s has worked extensively with Mr Harris over the past 24 months to help him manage his debts and business more effectively.
“We have spent considerable time advising him on everything from how to reduce operating costs through to offering him sizable discounts on beer and suggestions on how to increase his custom.
“We have also invested significantly in the pub during this period.
“Sadly, Mr Harris has allowed his financial position to worsen to the extent that he now owes us over £100,000.
“Despite this, we have worked hard to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with him on how best to remedy this situation.”
It is understood that no decision has been made by Young’s on the future of the pub as a music venue.
For more information visit: www.halfmoon.co.uk
Readers' comments
Very sad and very familiar...to me at least! Had the same situation at my 7 nights a week live venue in Lancashire. Fantastic support from bands and customers alike but zero from the pubco - who were full of suggestions about food and different trading styles but resolutely refused to ever visit during opening hours or help liaise with some of the brewers who do support live music. If it does go I'll miss it as I always call in when in London and have had many fantastic nights there. I hope there's a new venue waiting for you somewhere if you can't get 'em to see sense.
I WORKED IN THE HALF MOON PUB IN 1979/80/81 AND IT HAD MUSIC 8 TIMES A WEEK , I REMEMBER THE GREATS COMING IN RALPH MC TELL ,GEORGE HAMILTON 1V ,++++ MICK O MAHONY RIP WAS LANDLORD , IT WAS A GREAT PUB ,GREAT MEMORIES OF THE REALLY NICE CLIENTS MOST OF THEM BRITISH BUT MANY LIKE ME A PADDY ALSO . WAS BEST DAYS OF MY YOUNGER LIFE VERY SPECIAL MEMORIES , HOPE IT STAYS A GREAT MUSIC VENUE . OWEN REDDY
I'd take the place on a TAW and a peppercorn rent, what it needs is regular Kara-oke nights and bingo . :)
It's the same all over, live music in pubs is disappearing. Don't blame the recession, I've lived through a few, bands still played in pubs. In fact, pub rock was commonplace in the dark days of the 70's and thrived until a couple of years ago. Of course, we all know what happened then......
Why have the pubco ruined this trade. This is a great pub, history has been made here.
Once again it shows how the pubco model does not work.I have had some wonderful times here, the landlord has been struggling for quite a while. With the current climate and his high rent and beer tie, it has made it a nightmare to run. It is very sad, I AND MANY LIKE ME, WILL BE VERY SAD TO SEE THE LANDLORD LEAVE.
I wonder if a new publican will be tied to the same rent and beer prices? I can almost imagine the bdm turning up and saying sorry to hear business is so bad, you need to start selling food, there's loads of money in that game! At the same time you need to reduce your costs otherwise our rent won't make sense.