170-year-old LGBTQ+ friendly pub in northwest London closes its doors

170-Year-Old LGBTQ+ Friendly Pub in Northwest London Shuts Down

The Oddfellows Arms, a historic pub in Pinner, has closed after struggling financially despite community support efforts

Local

Pinner, London, UK, LGBTQ+, Pub, Community

Pinner: A beloved pub in North West London, the Oddfellows Arms, has sadly closed its doors. This place had been a staple for 170 years, known for its welcoming vibe, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

Founded way back in 1854, it was a true local hangout in Harrow. But after facing some tough financial times in 2023, it just couldn’t keep going.

The Oddfellows Arms even snagged the title of Harrow’s Pub of the Year from CAMRA. Long-time barman Stuart Lawrence shared how the pub transformed from a cliquey spot to a more inclusive community hub.

In 2023, they tried to raise £25,000 through crowdfunding to help with their lease. They managed to gather nearly £15,000, but it wasn’t enough to keep the doors open.

Landlord Richard Devine expressed how much the team had worked to create a space where everyone felt welcome. He emphasized the importance of community, especially after the challenges of recent years.

Despite their efforts, the pub has now closed. Heineken, the brewery behind it, is on the lookout for a new operator to take over.

A spokesperson mentioned that the Oddfellows Arms temporarily closed on January 5th and they’re eager to find someone to reopen it soon.

They hope the local community will continue to support the pub when it’s back in business.

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Image Credits and Reference: https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/170-year-old-lgbtq-friendly-30773375