High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

A second High Barnet public house, The Sebright Arms, in Alston Road, is getting a new lease of life after another successful community-inspired bid to take over the tenancy.

Two of the Sebright’s former regular customers, Lex Deak (above, left) and Ben Dillon, who live round the corner in Wentworth Road, are planning a major refurbishment to create a community pub with a family friendly atmosphere.

Three hundred yards away from the Sebright is The Black Horse which was re-opened only four months ago by three of its former regulars who all live close by.

The Sebright’s new tenants say they are confident that despite their proximity there will be plenty of opportunities for two community-driven public houses to prosper.

Over recent years five pubs have closed in surrounding streets and the message from the new teams running the Sebright and Black Horse seems to be that the pubs which will thrive in the future will be those which are orientated towards the needs of the community and local families.

An artist’s impression – see above – shows the kind of make-over which is planned for the yard at the rear of the Sebright which will include a covered terrace, planted spaces, a large screen for summer nights and a safe play space.

“What we will be offering at the Sebright is a family-first community pub with a proper play area in sight of the grown-ups, the kind of facilities which will demonstrate how pubs can respond to the family life of today,” said Lex Deak.

“Publicans have to adapt by creating a community hub, offering refreshments from coffee in the morning to Sunday lunch, and a venue which welcomes and can host local groups and activities.

“Barnet has a rich history of pubs but there have been closures all around the Sebright and now in an age when people are more disconnected than before, we think it’s important to bring people together in a community hub.

With the Black Horse just down the road, there will be even more reason for people to come out and support their local pubs. We are close friends with the team at the Black Horse and they’ve been very helpful.”

Ben Dillon said he and Lex had fond memories of the community spirit which was generated by pubs like the Sebright and they wanted to reinvent that to create a friendly, family space.

“I’ve lived around here for 30 years and we both knew the Sebright of old.”

The Sebright was one of three High Barnet pubs which the Hertford brewers McMullen sold to Punch Pubs and Co earlier this year and the new tenants have taken on an initial lease.

After being closed for several days for redecoration and immediate repairs – including new lights installed by electrician Chaz Smith – the Sebright has re-opened for drinks and initial service while the two new tenants work up their plans for what will be a full redesign and refit starting early next year.

They are currently assessing community feedback, listening to what the locals say, as they prepare their plans. To read more about their vision for the future see:  www.thesebrightarms.co.uk

In the weeks before the new tenancy was agreed, nearby regular Chris Nightingale had been working with residents to get 70 signatures for an application to renew an asset of community value designation for the Sebright.

“We are delighted to hear that Ben and Lex are taking over and the Sebright is back in safe hands.

“The fact we got all the signatures we needed so quickly demonstrates the loyalty of the Sebright’s customers.”

An insight into the successful transformation of the Black Horse over the course of the summer was given to the annual meeting of Barnet Residents Association by Danny Daly, one of three directors of Barnet Community Pubs Ltd.

The newly formed company negotiated a fresh tenancy for the Black Horse with Star Pubs (part of the Heineken group) after it had been closed since the previous September.

Together with his two fellow directors, Simon Anderson and Martin Taylor, they completed a speedy refit of the pub in time to open in late June and take advantage of a summer of near unbroken sunshine and events such as England’s matches in the FIFA World Cup.

“We were mobbed during the World Cup, five deep at the bar, and followed that up with a celebration on the night of the partial eclipse when we bought in 50 pairs of special glasses.

“We are trying to do as many interesting community events as we can – we had a Dolly Parton night and have a wine and cheese evening planned for November. On one charity day we raised £6,000.”

Nearby pubs which closed over recent years included The Alexandra in Wood Street, The Albion in Union Street. The White Lion in St Albans Road and The King William IV and Crown and Anchor in Barnet High Street.