The Red Lion became The Westbury

IT has been claimed that a pub was first established on the site of 34 Kilburn High Road back in 1444 – even if a sign on the outside wall says it was rebuilt in 1890.

More recently it has been set up as a backpacker hostel, but paperwork filed at the Town Hall reveals that it could soon be back as a boozer. At a time when many stories about pubs are about them calling last orders and shutting up shop, the JD Wetherspoons chain has signalled it wants to breathe new life into what was once the Red Lion pub in Kilburn.

Its application has the support of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) which is eager to protect community pubs amid he of closures. Wetherspoons itself unveiled a list of 39 pubs it had decided to close last year – including the Penderel’s Oak in Holborn. But it has now asked for permission to run a new bar at No 34 Kilburn High Road, potentially over three floors.

The pub had a rich history as a traditional tavern, but in more recent years was used for short-lived projects like the Love And Liquor nightclub and the Soul Store West bar.

For a time it was known as The Westbury, with owners who had a knack for getting famous DJs to play sets at a venue off their normal beaten track.

In 2020, permission was granted to turn it into a hostel – a move which led to objectors calling for the old pub to be brought back. The building is currently shut up and bill stickers have often been pasted on the front over the last 12 months. Its past use is still illustrated by the red lion emblem on the upper facade.

Local historians Dick Weindling and Marianne Colloms said in a biography of the pub that it was “not possible” to trace it back to 1444 in the records but a recorded alcohol licence can be found in 1721.

The rebuild in 1890 took eight months, they said, and led to much local interest. “300 people crowded in to watch a special billiards match between the famous players Hughie McNeill and William Spiller,” the historians wrote.

They also recounted the life of 1905 landlord Charles Jenkins, who was also a Welsh cycling champion and a travelling theatrical hypnotist.

It has not been confirmed what name will be given to the new pub.

JD Wetherspoon said in its application for planning approval: “The improvement to the public house will enhance the community facility to be able to be used as a meeting place for friends, family and professionals, thereby providing a cultural and social focus that will contribute to regeneration and local tourism…

“The proposed development will enhance, improve and expand the existing community facility, whilst bringing the building back into use. This will deliver community benefits in the form of a facility for the customers to enjoy whilst also proving new employment opportunities.”

John Cryne, from CAMRA, said: “I recall this establishment when it was The Red Lion Public House, indeed the lion can still be seen on the front facade. “For this reason I fully support it being not only reopened as an area for public use but as a pub again.”

He added: “This change can only be of benefit to the local community.”