Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The former Catford Constitutional Club in Lewisham has reopened as a new pub after a major restoration, reviving one of the area’s historic landmarks.
Due to structural and safety issues, the Catford House, formerly known as the Catford Constitutional Club, had to close in 2019.
Since then, efforts have been made to convert the regionally classified structure into a brand-new, easily accessible area for the neighborhood. The renovated pub hall, a beautifully planted garden , a lately constructed elevator, and lower areas that may be employed for shops or lower reservations are all aspects of the new position, which opened on November 19.
In addition to hosting pop-up events, fitness classes, shops, exhibitions, and more, the space may be rented for private gatherings.
Lewisham Council handed finances for the design, and the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund contributed £1.8 million.
The new location is being managed by the non-profit Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA), which has a history of successfully operating other local locations such the Woolwich Common Community Center and The Woolwich Front Room.
Claire Pritchard, CEO of GCDA, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS):
“Our vision is to create a pub with purpose, a 21st century social club, where good food and good conversation go hand in hand with community action. At a time when so many public spaces are disappearing, we want The Catford House to remain open and accessible to all.
We hope The Catford House becomes a blueprint for what’s possible when communities take charge of their own spaces and futures. GCDA’s approach is about working with communities, not just in them — listening, learning, and building together. This is just the beginning.”
By sourcing from vendors like Mont58 Coffee and Catford Rhum Arrange, the new location supports local companies. In order to help stock the bar, the Catford House has also teamed up with Portobello Brewery, who run the neighboring Catford Bridge Tavern.
Maya Haiman-Eilon, who co-founded Mont58 Coffee with her husband, Shai, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be supplying coffee to Catford House. As a local independent roastery, it means so much to partner with another business that’s investing in our community. We can’t wait for Catford to enjoy great coffee in such a fantastic new space.”
Cllr James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning said: ”
The opening of The Catford House is an important step forward. More than a pub, it’s a space for everyday life, to meet friends and family, enjoy food and drink, learn new skills, support local creatives and feel part of a safer, more vibrant Catford.
That’s why we chose a cooperative, not-for-profit operator to manage this venue for us. This transformation led by the council, with support from the GLA [Greater London Authority], brings a historic building back into public use.
GCDA, as the new housekeepers, will now help shape its future alongside our residents. The Catford House shows our ongoing commitment to regeneration that puts local people first.”
Will the venue host live music and arts performances?
The restored Catford indigenous Club is being restarted to include live music and arts programming alongside its pub and community installations. The design detail and council updates state the venue will give space for performances and artistic conditioning, with devoted areas intended for music, art and community events.
Restoration workshops included creating flexible apartments and performance ‑ friendly spaces that can be used for gigs and trades events, and drivers generally secure public performance licences (PRS/ PPL or original) to host live music fairly.
Still, the venue’s functionary point and Lewisham Council’s design runner list forthcoming events and licensing details, If specific programme dates or the venue’s booking policy are demanded.
