I used to go to this backstreet boozer for punk shows. It was dilapidated, sweaty and always packed - especially out in the backroom where the bands played. Every time I visited its condition seemed to get cosier and more familiar which added to its worn-in charm. Like all fans of niche music venues I was gutted when it closed and never thought it would reopen.

By chance I was doing some urbex in February 2018 and walked by for old times’ sake. Seeing activity I popped my head in and had a chat with the builders and was assured it would be a pub again and they graciously let me take photos.

The back gig room is gone and in terms of late 2019 the change is huge. I’ll start by saying I’m delighted it survives as licensed premises in one form or another. The building is owned by everybody’s favourite property developer and destroyer of community pubs, Hamna Wakaf Ltd (see China Hall in pub musings in Surrey Quays for another example of how they operate). Only dogged work by locals, CAMRA and Lambeth Councillors securing an ACV to retain the Grosvenor as a pub allowed this rebirth.They should be applauded and its great to see a local authority recognising the vital community importance of pubs.

There is nothing wrong with a change in tastes and customer demand as the industry constantly evolves but for me this is a taproom, not a pub. If you love craft you’ll flock here as there were close to 25 excellent lines on and I enjoyed a delicious pint of Wild Beer Mosaic Pale Ale. The interior had character before whereas now it’s too bright and clinical for this seasoned boozer veteran. I’d also imagine it divides local opinion depending on your age and what you like to drink. However, if you love the selection taprooms have in the shell of an old pub this is right up your alley.

It’s a pleasant spot, just not to my taste. The bloke serving was very friendly and knowledgeable (although he did call me “Dude” as I was leaving which was odd as we were in south London not California and neither of us were carrying a surfboard) and when busy I’m sure has a real buzz. Clearly a lot of love has gone into getting this establishment live but it retains no pub features and is just not my type of establishment. Something of a purist when next in the area I would head elsewhere (such as the excellent The Priory, run by the same people, up the road)

Whether it’s to my taste or not I implore you to visit to support independent local hostelries and also to please let me know what you think. Anywhere that is open with a licence for the community to gather for a drink and a chat is a force for good and we need to use it or lose it.

Lets hope post-Covid that more and more can come back from the dead when leases are expected to be lower and communities have had time to rally to secure ACVs and funding for co-operative pubs.