Derelict Bristol pub to be brought back to life after fundraising target hit

A derelict city pub is set to reopen after a successful fundraiser to bring it back to life. 

Tara Clerkin and Sunny Paradisos have passed their initial fundraising target of £35,000 to bring the Rhubarb Tavern back as a pub and community hub for Barton Hill as well as a new music and arts venue for Bristol.         

The couple, who have lived in the city for the past 15 years, aim to reopen the pub on  Queen Ann Road as a “real public house” and “a place for music, community groups, workshops and affordable food as well as all the things we love about pubs”.     

The almost £42,000 raised so far means they will be able to open the main pub and bar area, including space for community functions, standard pub amenities and a basic set-up for live music.

In a statement on social media, the Save the Rhubarb campaign said: “That's right The Rhubarb Tavern is officially go!!       

“Thank you everyone so very much, we are in awe of everyone's generosity and enthusiasm for the project.   

“Any money donated to the campaign from now on will be invested in the facilities that will be the heart of the Rhubarb, specifically at this point the MUSIC STUDIO!

“That means we can teach people how to play and make music. To foster and support talent and creativity young and old in Barton Hill and Bristol!”    

There has been a stretch target of £45,000 set for the fundraiser which would fund a music and pottery studios, and start to build a musical instrument library.  

If this is reached, there is a further stretch target of £55,000, which would enable them to turn one of the upstairs rooms into a bedroom so they can host touring bands and offer residencies to musicians.   

And any money raised beyond that will fund a better sound system for live music, better studio facilities and more beers on tap.   

The Rhubarb Tavern has been closed and empty since 2020, and was under threat from being converted into six flats and eight apartments in a new three-storey building in the garden at the rear.  

But the planning application from London-based developers Natan Ltd was withdrawn in 2021, after residents and the We Love the Rhubarb campaign group tried to save the Barton Hill’s neighbourhood’s last remaining pub.     

The Save the Rhubarb fundraising campaign runs until November 12. To donate, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-rhubarb-tavern-bristol

If all goes to plan, the Rhubarb Tavern will reopen in Spring 2024.