The Tap is Finally Turned Off

After a major renovation, The Vine Inn on Newland Street West re-opened in December 2013 as the West End Tap. When father and son team, Nigel and Lewis De-la-Hey bought the street-corner local from Punch Taverns, they found it in a neglected state. Extensive works gave the pub a fresh, contemporary look, designed to appeal to students as well as other locals.
With five handpumps on the bar, the West End Tap offered an interesting and ever-changing range of real ales. Keg beers from global brewers were available from dispensers on the bar, while the four taps built into the wall were reserved for more interesting Belgian and US craft beers.
As one of the genuine free houses in the city, the pub had a significant commercial advantage over other establishments. The quality of the pub and its beers were recognised when it earned a place in CAMRA’s “Good Beer Guide 2016”.
In an area where there is sometimes tension between students and other residents, the West End Tap generated community cohesion and social interaction. It improved the “liveability” of the area and made a positive contribution to social wellbeing. It also provided employment opportunities. There is no doubt that the West End Tap was an important community facility.
Unfortunately, the West End Tap did not re-open after the COVID lock-downs and, in July 2021, the owners applied to convert the pub into dwellings, claiming that the business was no longer viable. In response, local residents set up the “Keep the Tap Running” group, arguing that the business was an important and viable community venue and that its loss would have a negative impact on the area. The pub was registered as an Asset of Community Value and, in April 2022, Lincoln City Council rejected the planning application.
The campaigners were delighted but their joy was short-lived. The owners appealed against the decision and, in March 2023, The Planning Inspectorate overturned the City Council’s decision and granted permission for the change of use.
Before the decision had been made, Marianne Langley, secretary of the Keep the Tap Running group, had submitted a paper to the City Council arguing that the Council’s pub protection policies were not fit for purpose and that urgent action was needed to provide stronger protection. The Planning Inspectorate’s reasons for allowing the appeal add weight to Marianne’s argument.
In a note to the Council following the decision, Marianne stated that, “Our pub protection policy MUST be improved if we are to have any chance of safeguarding these community assets going forward. I am deeply committed to this and will help in any way possible to bring about this much needed change.”