Campaign to 'Save the Park Tavern' Gains Support
Popular tenant of the Southfields pub has been asked to leave
Picture: The Park Tavern on Merton Road
July 23, 2026
Regulars at a Southfields pub have launched an urgent campaign to save it after the current management were told they must vacate the premises by 5 August.
The Park Tavern, on Merton Road, has become a thriving neighbourhood hub in recent years, with the present team at MFM Pub Group Ltd saying it has invested around £150,000 to restore the historic building.
It is claimed that this work was undertaken after they were given assurances that their lease renewal would go ahead. Instead, Amir, who has been running the pub for 18 months, has been informed by the freeholder, Star Pubs — part of Heineken UK — that he must leave. Star Pubs did not respond to a request for comment.
From weekly pub quizzes and sports screenings, to free activities for local children and parents, the Park Tavern has made itself a popular venue with members of the local community .
Residents say the decision has left them shocked and frustrated, particularly after the management alleged that Star Pubs had previously blocked beer orders and later fined them for sourcing stock elsewhere. The situation has drawn political attention, with East Putney councillors and Putney MP Fleur Anderson backing calls for the management to remain in place.
Councillor Jasmin Glynne said the pub had become “one of the most beloved spots in this part of Putney,” adding that locals had watched the team “transform it into a thriving, welcoming local.” She urged Star Pubs to “listen to the community and keep the current management in place.”
Fleur Anderson MP has written to the Pub Code Adjudicator requesting an investigation into the circumstances of the dispute. She said she had “serious concerns about the way the current management has been treated” and stood with residents who want the pub to remain under its present operators.
A public meeting will take place at The Park Tavern on Friday 24 July from 5pm to 6pm, giving residents the chance to hear more about the campaign and discuss next steps. Supporters are also encouraging people to sign the petition calling on Star Pubs to reverse its decision and secure the pub’s future under its current team.
The petition, titled Save the Park Tavern, SW18, is available on Change.org. Over 600 people have signed it at the time of writing.
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