Hundreds join campaign to save much-loved pub

Staff at the Caroline of Brunswick, on Ditchling Road, want to renew its lease when it expires in November, 2017, however, they say owner Punch Taverns wants to sell the property to developers. They set up a Facebook campaign page on Monday which they hoped would attract the support of 21 customers so they could apply for the pub to be recognised as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Within 48 hours the page had 1,000 members, including regular, occasional and even one-time customers.

Alex Manton, 27, manager of the pub, said: “It is beautiful, I can’t believe how many people have supported us.

“It is amazing to read all the kind things they have said, it shows the community value our pub has.”

ACV status would mean the property must remain open as a pub and that, if sold, the community would have the right to bid to buy it.

Pub staff think ACV status would make the building less attractive to property developers, who they believe would want to turn the four-storey property into housing or a chain pub.

The venue, labelled the ‘only alternative pub in Brighton’ by customers, is well-known for its live music and comedy.

Writing on the campaign page, Mark Brailsford said: “I really hope this pub can be saved, it is thoroughly and distinctly Brighton and it is vital to defend these places.”

Bethany Spence wrote: “The Caz has created a beautiful community of like-minded people and without it Brighton would never be the same again.”

“I see the vast majority of customers as my friends, not just customers,” said Mr Manton. “We are open and friendly, we are a community.”

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, has also shown her support, saying she will draft a letter of support for the ACV application.

The pub is hoping to send its application by the end of the week.To support the campaign, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/SaveTheCaz