Last push to save Brighton pub

The ‘Save the Greys’ crowdfunding campaign, set up by ‘Friends of the Greys’, aims to raise £60,000 to purchase The Greys pub in Hanover and has so far raised over £42,000 with more than 80 investors already pledging money to the cause.

The campaign originally intended to raise £300,000 but recent talks with investors meant that the group has less money to raise as they said the donations would be matched by the investors and grants.

The campaign ends on February 28.

Friends of the Greys hopes to purchase the pub and turn it into a community free house which will be owned and managed by locals. The group aims to use the money to refurbish the pub and allow more community events to bring residents together.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said: "Local pubs play such an important role in our communities, and with so many at risk of closure and redevelopment, I fully support the Crowdfunder to purchase The Greys and keep it open for community use.

“It's a pub that's full of character, with such potential to be an amazing community resource in residents' hands. I wish the campaign every success, and I hope that everyone gets behind the Crowdfunder so that The Greys can remain open to serve the Hanover area as a meeting place, live entertainment venue, and so much more, for many years to come."

Originally built in 1878, The Greys pub has a long-established history of hosting live music and was included as one of the top 20 pubs in the UK in 2004.

Save The Greys spokesman Keith Farmer said: “This is a great opportunity to own part of your own community pub – and it’s not just any old pub. The Greys will continue to build on its reputation for its great atmosphere, friendly welcome and live music. But we want to take things further by making The Greys a real community resource.

“In these days of social isolation, we are going to host a range of daytime activities to try and bring the whole community together.

“We are calling on the whole community of Brighton and Hove to get involved – to buy a piece of local history and, more importantly, invest in the future of our community.”

Those interesting in donating can choose several different investment packages. Pledging £25 can get you vouchers in The Greys, whereas £500 will buy you invitations to exclusive lock-ins, membership to the board, interest on your investment and vouchers to the pub.

To find out more, click here.