Key Points
- The Black Horse Pub in High Barnet, founded around 1720, closed in September after its leaseholder left.
- Owner Star Pubs is recruiting a new operator for the site.
- Over 2,300 residents signed a petition urging Barnet Council to grant the pub “asset of community value” (ACV) status.
- ACV status would allow the community the right to bid for the pub if it goes up for sale, protecting it from redevelopment.
- High Barnet councillor Emma Whysall supports the petition, citing previous success in securing ACV status for Tudor Hall and the Prince of Wales pub.
- The government is legislating to give community groups longer to raise funds to buy such properties, potentially aiding the Black Horse.
- The council has not yet received an official application for ACV status and has not stated a position on the matter.
What is the current status of the Black Horse Pub in High Barnet?
As reported by Harriet Smith of the Barnet Times, the Black Horse Pub, located at the junction of Wood Street and Union Street in High Barnet, closed its doors in September 2025. This pub, a historic landmark dating back to circa 1720, has recently been without an operator after the last leaseholder vacated. Star Pubs, the property owner, confirmed they are actively recruiting a new operator to run the establishment. However, its future remains uncertain amid worries about potential redevelopment.
Why are residents concerned about the future of the Black Horse Pub?
According to a report by David Clark for London Evening News, thousands of residents from High Barnet have expressed fears that the pub may be sold for non-community use if it lacks legal protection. Many have signed a petition calling on Barnet Council to designate the Black Horse as an asset of community value (ACV). This status is significant because it grants community groups the opportunity to bid for and purchase the property should the owner decide to sell it.
What does ACV status mean, and how could it protect the pub?
Emma Whysall, High Barnet ward councillor, explained to Barnet Gazette that
“ACV status can help save pubs and other spaces the community cares about.”
Drawing on her experience with the Tudor Hall — a historic schoolhouse granted ACV status — she noted that this status afforded Barnet Museum the time to explore purchasing the property. She further indicated that
“The government is currently legislating for a longer period for community groups to raise the funds to buy and assess the feasibility of purchasing, levelling the playing field with commercial businesses.”
If the Black Horse is granted ACV status before the legislation is passed, it could open the door for local residents or organisations to secure the pub.
How are residents and councillors mobilising to save the Black Horse?
The petition to save the Black Horse has gathered 2,320 signatures as of mid-November 2025, according to High Barnet News. The petition was started by local resident Olly Gough, who emphasised the importance of community backing:
“The next step is getting the application in. We need 21 local people to back it and as many stories as possible from those who’ve used the Black Horse over the years. That’s the evidence that makes the difference.”
Councillor Emma Whysall has voiced her support publicly, encouraging residents to sign the petition and form a group with the aim of submitting the ACV application swiftly. She stated,
“I urge as many residents as possible to sign the petition to show their support for the Black Horse, and to form a group to make the application as soon as possible.”
Has Barnet Council made any commitments regarding the ACV status request?
In response to enquiries by Barnet Observer, a Barnet Council spokesperson said,
“The council has not received an application for an asset of community value at this location. Once an application has been submitted, the formal process can begin.”
This means the council has not yet taken a formal stance on the Black Horse’s ACV nomination but is prepared to start the procedure once a detailed application—complete with community backing—is submitted.
Are there past examples of successful ACV status in Barnet?
Yes, as highlighted by journalist Sarah Middleton in North London Today, last year Barnet Council listed the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet as an ACV following local concerns about redevelopment pressure. Furthermore, Tudor Hall, another historic property in Barnet with roots back to the 16th century, was secured with ACV status, enabling community fundraising efforts to preserve it.
What is the implication of government legislation mentioned regarding community bids?
The legislation currently proposed aims to extend the time community groups have to gather financial resources to buy properties designated as assets of community value. This adjustment intends to “level the playing field” against commercial developers, who traditionally have an advantage due to financial resources and speed.
Councillor Emma Whysall remarked to Barnet Times,
“If the Black Horse does become an ACV, that could be an option for us if the legislation is passed in time.”
This potential change could be pivotal in allowing the community of High Barnet to retain control over this cherished historic pub.
The Black Horse Pub’s fate remains closely watched by residents and local politicians alike. While Star Pubs seeks a new operator, community activists are mobilising to secure ACV status as a safeguard against loss of the pub’s historical and social value. The formal application process with Barnet Council awaits the formation of a dedicated group and the gathering of further evidence from locals.
