Coming soon: The Hardcastle, 44 Lewisham Way

Artist's impression of The Hardcastle from the planning document

Major pubco Enterprise Inns has submitted plans to redevelop The Rosemary Branch pub (44 Lewisham Way) as "The Hardcastle". In their planning application, they say:

The proposed site is a large and somewhat run down Victorian era pub set in the heart of New Cross, near to Goldsmith’s College. The site is not listed nor within a conservation area but is however a fine and somewhat grandiose building of some architectural merit.

Means of access, tree planting nor felling and watercourses will not be altered.

It is hoped that the refurbishment, new branding and change of operator of this well sited pub will once again establish it firmly within the local community. As part of the refurbishment it is proposed to fix retractable awnings to the front elevation of the building to help reinforce the pub’s presence and to offer it’s [sic] customers shelter from poor weather. Please note that we also intend to remove the rear pagoda style extension that has caused both the local community and council some concern in the past (Your Ref: DC/10/75156 & DC/09/71739).

The Lewisham Way venue has been through a number of incarnations in recent years.

It had been speculated (though not by Brockley Central) that this could be the site for new drinking establishment, the Grizzly Bar. This news rules that possibility out and shows just how strong the New Cross pub renaissance is.

With thanks to Danja for the story.