More than 400 residents are calling for The Gorringe Park to become an Asset of Community Value
“The pub holds a lot of memories for us – our families, our friends. We couldn’t just watch it disappear.” Like many former regulars of The Gorringe Park in Tooting, David Monty recalls countless parties, weddings, film screenings and comedy nights cementing its place in the community.
Now, he and a group of dedicated volunteers have tasked themselves with saving the pub’s legacy for future generations. A planning application is seeking permission to significantly expand the venue and add six flats, in turn removing the existing kitchen, function room and much of the beer garden. Plans also show the door would sit within the historic façade.
“It was a real part of the economy, and we sort of took it for granted but then it was sold and sold again,” David said, “Over the last few years it declined more and more and eventually shut down last summer. We were devastated, my kids basically grew up there.”
Initially owned by Young’s, The Gorringe Park was taken over by the Charles Wells Pub Company in 2012 and operated by the now defunct Yummy Pub Company. As of November 2025, the premises are occupied by Roohin Lounge, a pub serving Indian food that campaigners claim is open infrequently.
A MyLondon visit during advertised trading hours found dark interiors and locked doors. What started as grumbles on dog walks quickly grew to a movement amongst residents who feared losing their beloved third space.
In just a fortnight, more than 400 people have signed an application for The Gorringe Park to become an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This offers greater protection against development, and introduces the right for groups to bid were the building be put up for sale.
David continued: “We initially needed 21 people to get involved and everyone just came together. It was incredible.
“We’ve put together photos and stories of what it means to everyone. We just want to show that the community is willing to show up and support the pub. We want to help.”
Amongst the growing collective is co-leader Emily Fleuriot, a proud customer of two decades. She worries slashing the amount of pub space available will ultimately send The Gorringe Park to its grave.
“It will be entirely unsustainable. There’s a big footprint and it’s incredibly hard to make that pay if you don’t have all the additional stuff like hot food. But, what’s most important to us is having a place to go and drop in.
“We’re talking about somewhere that hosted toddler groups, allotment meetings, the parent teacher association. There’s nothing quite like that within a half mile of this area.
“As a local, it makes me sad that most people around here won’t know The Gorringe in its heyday. This was the focal point, where we’d meet, make new friends. We have nowhere that’s the same.”
Emily and David, as well as Tooting locals Greta McLachlan and Jonathan Richardson, are now going hell for leather rallying support. With the decision looming, the team have thrown themselves into social media pushes encouraging people to object to the planning application.
Hopes for success are strengthened by The Trafalgar, a neighbourhood pub found two miles away in South Wimbledon. It too was threatened by a housing development, with the freehouse slated for demolition in favour of multiple flats.
After months of back-and-forth and an appeal from the site’s owners, the pub’s landlord won the opportunity to buy it. “It’s proof that it can be done, that local pubs can be potentially saved,” said Lorna Nunn, a patron of over 45 years.
“It’s a wonderful example and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it up and grows. It really was down to the people involved.”
Comments on the planning application are being accepted until November 25.
You can find out more about Project Gorringe on social media and the group’s website.
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