The Phene pub in Phene Street SW3
The Phene pub’s hopes of installing a permanent, all-weather structure to encase its historic garden have been dismissed by RBKC.
The Planning Committee ruled against the landlord of the 1853 pub in Phene Street SW3 at a council meeting on 6th February. Local residents – particularly those living in Margaretta Terrace – are reported to be delighted at the news, as is The Chelsea Society, which helped with opposing the planning application.
The Phene is in a quiet dead end nook of Chelsea, just off Oakley Street
Local campaigners had argued that the erection of such a structure would have irrevocably damaged the historic nature of the pub, as well as lead to potential disturbance issues as a permanent structure would have meant the garden would become a 365-day-a-year entrainment space.
The Planning Committee has also ordered The Phene’s representatives to remove the existing garden awning, which covers the entire garden but was put up without planning persimmon.
A separate application by the pub – to install a metal storage unit in the garden to replace the existing wooden shed – is yet to be ruled upon by the council.
The Phene – originally known as The Phene Arms – has been a popular fixture in Chelsea for many decades. It became particularly famous during the 1990s when it was footballer George Best’s frequent hang-out, not least because it was staggering distance from his flat at No.87 Oakley Street. He was always seen nursing a white wine spritzer in a large bowl glass that never seemed to be empty.
Following a take over in early 2000s, The Phene has under gone many re-inventions. The ripping out of the original 1950s bar and decor, saw it primped up to attract a younger crowd and many locals remake that it long ago lost its traditional appeal.
