Hammersmith and Fulham Council acts over former pub turned shop

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has initiated contact with Arora Family, the freeholder of the former Hammersmith Ram pub, regarding its recent transformation into a discount store. The council has issued a deadline of September 22 for the freeholder to respond to inquiries about the change of use.

Planning permission concerns

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The historic Hammersmith Ram, located on King Street, was sold in July and subsequently reopened as a discount store within weeks. Reports indicate that the necessary planning permission for changing the building's use from a public house to a retail outlet was not sought. Hammersmith and Fulham Council is now considering enforcement action, which could include issuing a stop notice or obtaining a court injunction, should a satisfactory response not be received by the specified date.

Freeholder's statement

Arora Family, a real estate business based in Ealing, is the freeholder of the property. A spokesperson for Arora Family stated that the current occupier was introduced on a temporary basis after squatters had occupied the building. The freeholder is reportedly reviewing the situation, suggesting that the occupier may have acted outside the terms of their agreement. The spokesperson added that the intention was for the premises to remain a pub and that efforts were underway to identify a new hospitality provider.

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Store operations and resident concerns

The discount store is understood to be operated by a company named Retail 11, although an employee on site stated that Nyra is managing the premises. This employee also claimed that Nyra is properly registered, despite not appearing on Companies House, and asserted that the store has permission to operate and expects to remain long-term. Local ward councillors Callum Nimmo and Molly Mantle expressed disappointment over the pub's closure and rapid conversion to a shop, stating that residents and businesses are expected to follow regulations and that this situation should be no different.

The councillors noted that this development occurs at a time when saving pubs has been highlighted as a national priority, suggesting it would be regrettable for Hammersmith to lose a pub with such historical significance.