The Joiners Arms has been at the heart of the East End gay community for nearly twenty years. It’s a pub in the traditionally British sense, a space for its people first rather than money, and a place that many foreigners have come to call home for its warm welcome. The values of venerable landlord David Pollard are painted above his punters’ heads: life, love and liberty.
These values are now threatened by corporate profit margins. On 15th January 2015 the current lease expires on the building and property developers want to turn The Joiners into luxury flats.
But there’s a way to fight this proposal. By appealing to get the building designated ‘community asset’ status, the local community has first option on purchase upon the expiry of the lease. If successful, the plan is to make The Joiners into London’s first dedicated LGBTQI community centre, whilst continuing the legendary pub at its heart.
To make this happen, a public group has been set up named ‘Friends of the Joiners’. Anyone is welcome to join. We need your help to spread the word about the campaign through contacts, publications and social media, through rousing community action and solidarity.
Our hashtag is #thejoinersliveson – please use and spread! Because the genuine warmth of human hearts, brought together in a safe space for all, should win over the cold cash chased by an uncaring corporate world.
• The next public meeting for the ‘Friends of the Joiners’ will be on Sunday 7th December, 7pm, at The Joiners Arms (116 Hackney Road, E2 7QL).