Sophie Nordlund and Paul Michelmore at The Harrison pub in King’s Cross

A FOLK venue in King’s Cross that is facing bankruptcy due to backdated lockdown rent payments has become an asset of community value (ACV).

The Harrison pub hosts more than 300 folk, roots and world music concerts, workshops and quizzes every year.

In April, the New Journal reported how The Harrison’s landlord landed them with a £99,000 bill – their rent for the entire lockdown period when the pub was forced to close due to the pandemic.

The pub’s owner, Paul Michelmore, has sought permission to appeal the move in the High Court.

But now the pub has been designated an ACV by Camden Council, thanks to local support for the venue.

This means if the pub is put up for sale the community has six months to develop a proposal and raise money to bid for it.

Mr Michelmore said: “If the appeal is refused we’re going to be bankrupt. But the asset of community value does give us a bit of protection. It just makes it a little bit harder for [the land­lord] to develop it into flats.

“I’m pleased that the venue has been listed as an ACV. It doesn’t mean that much to be honest but its nice to be recognised as of value to the community.”

The Harrison is busy raising a fighting fund to help with legal fees, which has included donations from the Mayor of London and Camden Council. “This was really validating for what we do”, said Mr Michelmore.

King’s Cross councillor Jonathan Simpson said: “The Harrison is a great community pub that has become a major player in London’s folk music scene.

“We have been working with the Mayor of London, the Music Venue Trust and CAMRA to help the team at The Harrison after they faced a massive rent for periods when they couldn’t open during lockdown.

“I hope the community asset status will enable it to be preserved as a welcoming pub with an outstanding live music offer.”