How the Shaftesbury was saved

The Shaftesbury nearly didn't make it.  In 2007 it was owned by Sabretooth Vintners:  

Sabretooth Vintners

They gave up and tried to turn it into flats. It would have gone from this: 

To this:

Note how trees magically appear in the second drawing. 

The council turned them down because 'the proposal would result in the change of use of the host building that contributes to the liveliness and vitality of the street scene and provide a service of local value'.

If you're worried your local pub might close, go talk to CAMRA.