Pic: Agnes Bel

After two stabbings, public urination and a number of complaints over drugs and noise, Catford locals are set to get “a very friendly pub” in place of The Copperfield Public House.

The pub has been closed as a result of what Lewisham police called “poor management”. It will be replaced by The Catford Bridge Tavern. The new pub will offer food, drinks and a traditional British pub atmosphere, manager Richard Salthouse told EastLondonLines.

The Copperfield’s premises license was reviewed after a joint campaign by Lewisham’s Police and Council Licensing Teams, the Rushey Green Safer Neighbourhood Team, the Neighbourhood Community Safety Service and local residents.

At the Licensing Committee meeting, held on January 19, it was decided that the “ethos” of the pub should be changed, and it will now have reduced opening hours and tighter conditions.

Pic: Agnes Bel

Michelle Pryal, Rushey Green Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant, said: “After two years of running the team, it is great to see all the hard work that we have done in our community in conjunction with our partners has paid off, and we are all looking forward to the positive changes that the new pub will bring.”

The Catford Bridge Tavern will be run by the group ANTIC, which already runs several pubs in the borough. Salthouse told EastLondonLines: “The main change beyond the reputation is that we will serve food, which will attract a different kind of customer.”

Sara, the owner of a local convenience store, added: “I am looking forward to seeing the new pub open. It will attract new people, nicer people in the area.”

For now, the pub is being renovated and the manager is looking for staff. It is thought the pub will be open within two weeks.