Calling on people power to buy popular pub

Residents have launched a £300,000 crowdfunding campaign to buy an under-threat pub and music venue in Hanover.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Dec 2017, 16:14 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:23 BST
A show of support from the community at The Greys in HanoverA show of support from the community at The Greys in Hanover
A show of support from the community at The Greys in Hanover

Campaigners say popular venue and pub The Greys, on Southover Street, is at risk of closure and redevelopment.

The group wants to buy and refurbish the pub, which is a well-known folk, blues, and country music venue, and open it as a free house.

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Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said: “Local pubs play such an important role in our communities, and with so many at risk of closure and redevelopment, I fully support the crowdfunder to purchase The Greys and keep it open for community use.

Andy Roberts and The Spudguns played at the launch event of the crowdfunder to Save The Greys last weekAndy Roberts and The Spudguns played at the launch event of the crowdfunder to Save The Greys last week
Andy Roberts and The Spudguns played at the launch event of the crowdfunder to Save The Greys last week

“It’s a pub that’s full of character, with such potential to be an amazing community resource in residents’ hands.

“I wish the campaign every success, and I hope that everyone gets behind the crowdfunder so that The Greys can remain open to serve the Hanover area as a meeting place, live entertainment venue, and so much more, for many years to come.”

Save The Greys spokesman Keith Farmer said: “This is a great opportunity to own part of your own community pub – and it’s not just any old pub. The Greys will continue to build on its reputation for its great atmosphere, friendly welcome and live music. But we want to take things further by making The Greys a real community resource. In these days of social isolation we are going to host a range of daytime activities to try and bring the whole community together.

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“We are calling on the whole community of Brighton and Hove to get involved – to buy a piece of local history and, more importantly, invest in the future of our community.”

The crowdfunder was launched by The Friends of The Greys Community Benefit Society last Saturday (December 2), which saw a performance by Andy Roberts –who once toured as a guitarist with Pink Floyd – and The Spudguns.

The crowdfunding campaign has so far raised just over £24,000, and the community has until the end of the month to hit its £300,000 target.

To find out more, visit: /www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-the-greys