Save the Lamplighters Pub

I have just written a biography of a London banker that includes the Lamplighters. After stealing the equivalent of 13 million pounds in 1828 he fled to Bristol and stayed the night at the Lamplighters where he found a pilot willing to take him into the channel to find a boat going to America. This he did and never returned.

always gave us a good excuse to go for a walk, with good beer and ever changing scenery when we get there.

Bought my first pint in the Lamplighters. Won't say how old I was but I wasn't legal.

This was the only decent pub in shirehampton was very sad to see it go.

I met my husband whilst I worked behind the bar at the Lamplighters. Vintage Inns does a fantastic trade at the Priory in Portbury.

I used to enjoy a drink with my mates in 'The Lamplighters' in the 50's.
I only wish we had pub's
like it in New Zealand.
Please ensure it remains
in existance so that I may enjoy a pleasant evening & a decent beer when I come for a holiday back in 'Outer Pomgolia'in future.

My mum & dad used to run this pub back in 1970!

Keep our village alive

Not to reopen The Lamplighters could go down in history as one of Shire's most tragic, regressive and soul-destroying developments.

Shire needs a decent pub again! Long live the lamps

Shire needs the Lamps!!

My dad's local when I was young had my wedding reception there in 1970

Get a licensee who is not greedy and a liquor supplier who is not expensive!!!

Dear Charlotte. I have just spoken to an old friend of mine Leon Franklin(used to be the tenant of the Lamplighter), and he tells me that the Lamplighter has been sold to a developer. Have you any other information on this please? Best regards, Tony.

first pint legal 51 now

The end of an era :-(

This pub has been a beautiful setting for many romantic nights for us, you can only imagine our disappointed faces one night when we went for a drink by the riverside to find the pub boarded up!

Why do you not try Wetherspoon. They are always looking for pubs to open. And are interested in local pubs.

All licensees take note:-An opportunity is coming where all pubs can show 'the establishment' what is needed to ensure our pubs/clubs remain open. Contact me at clubliaison@freedom2choose.info for more details.

The Lamps is just a short walk from my mother's house in Shirehampton, and was always a first point of call when visiting, a real shame to see it closed.

It's a beauiful setting, beautiful building. Lots of outside space. The only pub in shirehampton which caters for families with Children.
It was always busy and had a great atmosphere.

Lamplighters was the best pub in the area and sad loss to Shirehampton. It must be reopened!

The Lamps was the best pub in Shire. I can't believe Enterprise Inns hasn't invested in it. Shire is a bit of a desert as far as decent, friendly, pubs are concerned.

The Lamplighters has always been a great place for families and friends to meet for food and social events. It will be sadly missed. It seems to me that the whole of this area of Shirehampton is under attack from the developers. STOP THEM NOW !!!

I grew up in Pill and my family still live there. The Lamplighters has always been very much part of the local community on both sides of the river. It has a brilliant location which will be very important in our futures which undoubtedly will have greater emphasis on community living and less travel.

local pubs are dying by the day and communites need a decent pub to visit ,meet drink and chat.this community cannot afford to loose this pub.

Shirehampton now has few community facilities left to it. We have no swimming pool, pool hall, bingo hall, sports centre and not even many allotment sites left; all closed by the City council. A pub is always the heart of a community and the Lamplighters has been well supported during the 22 years I've lived in the area. Local people all miss it. It was blissful to be able to walk 'round there at the end of the week for a drink and the 'best steak and kidney pies ever!'. Please give us back our pub...

it is a wonderful pub, and was a regular stop off after climbing in the Avon Gorge. Also as it is so close to the Severn Beach line it is very convenient for a evening out of the city and a drink by train. Please do whatever needs to be done to keep it open !

This pub used to be the final stop on a long walk I used to do from Bristol, Pill, Shirehampton. Always a welcome site! Please do not let this great pub, in a great location become yet more faceless flats.

My husband and I used to go there with our children every Sunday for lunch and often sat in the garden on a summers evening for a drink before it got tired and uncared for it needs refurbishing and a new lease of life it is sad to see it boarded up and vandalised

Not my local but a lovely pub I visit several times a year and one son worker there one summer, It would be a tragedy if this pub was lost. It has a great position and facilities and with an enthusiastic new landlord I am sure could be a commercial sucess.

An historic building and integral to the community of Shirehampton. Too many pubs in the area closing,the LAMPLIGHTERS was one of the best. Spent my teenage years there, my first bar job, my wedding reception in 1986, subsequent quizzes, lunches, dog walks, nights out with friends. Has the best view and beer garden. A history and architecture that should not be denied to future generations, and it would be a sacrilidge to demolish it, or for developers to profit from our loss.

I have several family members still living in this area where my parents grew up ans have often visited this historic pub.

Both my in-laws were brought up in Shirehampton area and still have relatives there. Have visited the pub on several occasions and it is a fascinating historic pub.

The lamplighters pub is a community pub, it has lots of memories, for many people and many occasions. with the right management, we have a historical gem...

A pub with a fantastic location, surely it's not much to ask that with proper management and publicity this could turn into the gem it rightly deserves to be!

Ive been going there since i was a todler it is an amazing pub and need to make a big come back XD before my 18th ;) x

its a good pub :D

it cant close 6 months before my 18th

This was a great pub, and needs a new lease of life.

Although I live in London I have been to the Lamplighters during a visit to Bristol. I liked the pub and hope to visit it again when I'm next in Bristol, if it's still open.

This pub needs to be saved. It has huge potential.

This should be a real 'destination' pub, and the proximity of the railway station means you could have a decent session and not worry about the car.

The Lamplighters hold a lot of wonderful memories including our Wedding Reception in 1964

This is a lovely pub,and in a brilliant position with the nearest pub in shirehampton high st.it has been there for many years and loved by many people[not just the locals]don't let the developers obliterate yet another traditional british pub and take yet another heart from our comunities

although we don't live near, we used to come over to the lamplighters for lunchtime meals as they were always good food and reasonable prices. I would be sad to see it closed for good

I would love it to be turned into a real family pub/resturant just like Bees Tea gardens. Which is very sucessful. It is an ideal place to stop after a long journey from the motorway if you are travelling on further.

Too many pubs going down this path.

An historical pub with so much potential must be saved.

So much potential...

History should be preserved.

This is a pub that my family has enjoyed over many years with the annual beer festival and regular nights out. It would be devastating to see a gem like this disappear.

An absolute scandal .Enterprise Inns should be ashamed.Yet another treasured local hostelry being culled.Stop it now!!!

Save the Lamplighters Pub!

This place is part of our heritage. Don't let it be lost.

Please let us keep our hertiage

It was excellent when Paul & Dee ran it, and still good under Leon. Sadly it has become another victom of greedy pubcos. With the right management and some publicity it could become a destination for people from far and wide using the Severn Beach line to reach it.

I have enjoyed some great times in this pub. It has the potential to be an excellent community pub. It should be saved from closure.

This pub deserves to have the chance to be one of Bristol's best once again.

Pub with huge potential. It must be saved for the local community.
Don't let the PubCo destroy another great pub.
This is a great community asset and with 2 levels, a fantastic location on the riverfront - so muct potential! Please save the Lamplighters.

did an investigation there as part of the nightwalkers paranormal investigators

This was a cracking pub, with a changing range of real ales being sold. The building needs investment for refurbishment (as acceptable by English Heritage). There is strong potential for profitability with its floorspace being used for business functions, wedding receptions, parties, etc. It is a very relaxing spot on which to drink, and a quiet area, but with interesting activities from neighbouring organisations.

The lamplighters CAN'T be permantely closed down. Surely it would be too much of a treasured and historical building to allow this to happen. It has been a part of Shirehampton since I can remember. My parents took myself and brothers there often as as children to play outside while sipping on lemonade and munching crisps. 40 years ago I celebrated my engagement there too along with all my family. The Lamplighters has such a beautiful name and located in such a lovely position it would be almost criminal to let it go into extinction. Even though I live in Australia now, I still care about this so pleeese stop the rot!

We miss the local pub

I know this pub weel i used it a lot when i was at shirehampton doing a course at the BT scool

The history of this building is so important to Bristol's history that it should be Grade II listed if someone knows how to do it. Don't let the owners turn it into a block of flats. The field along side is a flood plain so should not be built on, but beware Bristol Planners giving permission - they have allowed houses on flood plains in the past!

Brilliant family pub, great shame if it's finished.

Beautiful and historic setting, the ferry possibly used for well over 2000 years. Great, historic
family pub with one of the very best of waterside views. to let it fall into dereliction would be crazy as well as scandalous.

We live in Plymouth but we used the Lamplighters whenever we visited Bristol. Lovely pub

Used to use,and loved the Lamplighters when I lived in Shirehampton many years ago. The pub is in a wonderful setting and must be saved.

This pub is in a perfect location for all the family with plenty of open space for children to play whilst parents enjoy a drink. I think it would need upgrading and decor to attract new clients and also encourage a good family menu.

The Lamplighters is the only decent pub in Shirehampton. If it closes there will be nowhere for local people to have a drink safely.

im sure that a nice evening out socially on occasion is much more healthier than spending every night in front of the tv with a cheap supermarket bottle of wine! come on government think about it! Also I think this particular pub itself is lovely and maybe if the food side of it was pushed a little it could do very well indeed! all the best

This pub should not be lost. I have enjoyed good food in this restful setting,but at other times a great place for famillieswith plenty of space outside, it would be so sad if a piece of history died when it has the potential to go on living and serving the community for many years to come.

The Lamplighters is in a brilliant location, and was a place where I would take foreign visitors to look over the river side. It only needs people with imagination and money to make the most of this potentially great building and its setting.It was also a great pub for real ale too !

Great location for a pub. Needs upgrading.

The Lamplighter is a special part of local history, please dont let this popular pub go the way of so many others.I can remember walking up the dirt track by the riverside from Avonmouth with my Mum, Dad and Sister when we lived in Avonmouth back in the 1940/50s we looked forward to this treat and had great fun in the garden and enjoyed our bottle of lemonade and packet of Smiths crisps, whilst the parents had a drink sat outside,like a lot of other local people there are many memories over the years, it would be a great shame for the owners to let this beautiful georgian building full into disrepair.PLEASE RE-OPEN THE LAMPS ASAP

The only decent pub,i felt comfortable in.

such a shame to close this local pub !booo!

the lamplighers is a big part of are community we need it here

May folks up and down the country like to have a pub by the waterside and here we are wasting our local one.

Its also part of the local and Bristol heritage being situated opposite Pill who still have their pub at the otherside of the ancient slipway.

Some very fond memories of the Lamplighters.We always enjoy a drink or two when we return home for a visit.It would be hard to imaging a quiet stroll along the river bank not ending with a pleasent drink.

Even though I've moved away from Bristol I still visit often and the Lamplighters are part of my memory of my childhood spent outside drinking lemonade with my family 40 years ago.

This pub is in a beautiful location and has a lot of history and is the heart of the community. It is shocking that it is closed. It's such an asset to Shirehampton.

Lovely old pub, needs to be kept open. Allowed to get in a mess, if brought up to standard will be a success again!

The best pub in Shirehampton ! In fact, the best pub for miles around

Before too long it will be too late. Missing Roof tiles, smashed windows, only a matter of time before the historic old building is burnt out. Just what Enterprize Inns wanted. Shame on you Enterprize. Witherspoons restore listed properties not detroy them!

I have met friends here every month since 1991. It must be kept open.

how many signatures???
Where were you all when Leon needed you.GREAT PUB but too many hypocrites.

Lets see this pub open again by the summer.The landlords Enterprise need to spend a fair amount of money and I believe this pub could thrive once more

Please don't take away the best pub in Shirehampton. Or the Green Space behind. If I had the money I would buy the lot to stop developers taking away all our pleasure.

I met my husband in the "Lamps" nearly 28 years ago. We now live in Canada with our three children, but still the Lamplighter Pub holds found memories for us. Whenever we are back in Shirehampton visiting my Mom we always take our children there. We were very upset to hear this Shirehampton landmark will be no more. I am sure there are many other couples who also met in the "Lamps"

Please save the only good pub in Shirehampton

Can't believe a pub in such a spot with such potential could close!!

Our St Pauls Wlking Group catch the little train from Lawrence Hill, walk around Shire and finish with Pensioners Lunch at the Lamplighters. We sorely miss it.

The Lamplighters is a magical place. I have spent the best evenings of my recent life there. It has a beautiful outlook when the water is in and the lights of Pill are shining on the water. I fell in love in that pub...........

We have lost too many amenities in Shire - Robin Cousins sports centre, swimming pool, bingo hall,snooker hall, youth club, pubs - don't let the Lamps be the next. What a fantastic location to update and provide a local restaurant and pub for everyone.

Noooooooo! It was my second home as a teenager.

I am an old shire resident and have always frequented the Lamps. I go back especially in the summer from Horfield.
The pub could be updated and marketed - it is a fantastic location, I don't think enough people know it is there, especially families looking for a child friendly garden and environment.
Quiz nights and sunday roasts have always been a pleasure - don't let us down.

Myself and my family enjoy the walk along the river to sit and relax in the welcoming surroundings of the lamps.There is no other local pub to offer the same safe and friendly family environment.

Brought up in Shire I used the Lamplighters often playing Darts for the team and having a great social life there with some great people. Don't lose this pub. You will regret it. Where I live now, we have lost many local pubs which are now replaced with affordable Flats. And guess what, these have now been given up for social housing or are empty. learn from the mistakes in Highbridge and Burnham, just ask anyone who drank here in the Crown. Do whatever you can to save your local. The Rising Sun has gone, don't let the Lamplighters be the next. All the best with the campaign.Pete Bessell

Beer festivals, quiz nights, Sunday lunches and a few pints in the garden with the dog would all be missed. All the best to Leon...

great place to meet and eat with friends when I fly over to Bristol

Fond memories of quiz nights. Good luck Lamps!!

save the lamps !!

another sign of the times.this important part of the local community must be kept open.if it was'nt for the local pub a lot of people would never know the local community.i used to spend a lot of my time in the lamplighters.quiz nights,organised trips and just the general welcome of a decent down to earth pub.the "lamps"has always been a summer pub, when visitors and regulars alike would enjoy the setting on the river however when the winter came there was always a loyal band of locals.whatever leon decides to do from now on ,i wish him well and thanks for some great times.

The only pub in Shirehampton where dogs are allowed in & is child friendly, and where there is seating outside. The pub would be sadly missed - especially some the summer time.

This is a fab pub especially in the summer, our children love it, this pub is vital to the local community.

The only pub with a garden I would consider taking children to in the area.

I use tis beautiful institution every time I return to shire

Keep it open! My family owned the Lamplighters back in the 1840s, my great-great grandfather was born in the pub! I visited it a few years ago and it looked an excellent place to go for a pint! DONT LET IT GO DOWN!!!

It would be tragic if The Lamps were to stay closed.
Must be re-opened ASAP.

Re open the Lamps!

Save the lamps!!!!

We must not let another good pub be lost.

Very shocked to hear that the Lamps has closed. Hope we have good news in the future

I was very shocked to hear The Lamps had closed. Although I had moved away from the area it was a local everyone could depend on.

Very sad to find it closed. It was great to go for a walk by the river and call in for an Ashton Press on the way through.

Sandwiched between the river and Shirehampton station, you couldn't ask for a better location. We've caught the Severn Beach train to the Lamplighters for an evening drinking good beer by the river on many occasions. It would be a travesty if change of use was applied for by the owners.

An excellent place for an evening drink with friends. The Lamplighters MUST survive!

Please keep an excellent pub open.

The only family pub we have in the area!

Many social meeting places have closed already in thsi area. Robin Cousins, The Shire pool, Bobs Gym is next I understand.

I grew up just down the road from The Lamps, it was a vital part of my upbringing. familiy frweindly with a great atmosphere and decent beers and ciders. recentlty our band has played there and we were planning to play the "Lamps Fest" this year too. It'd be a great shame for it to close. A vital part of the shire community.

A lovely family pub; providing wonderful entertainment and superfood. A real traditional pub with a warm atmosphere. It would be a travesty to allow its demise.

Was looking to book the lamplighters for a paranormal investigation in 2010 and was upset to find that it has now been closed

I've been down the Lamplighters a dozen times over the last 5 years.

It used to be the place we'd head for peoples birthdays whlie I worked at Avonmouth.

Lately, it's still been a big draw for the late summer beer festival Leon ran, with a great selection of beers, bands and food.

With a lovely view to the river, and the big draw of spring tides flooding, this family and locals pub should never be neglected - its place in hBristolks heritage alone should ensure its place as a great resource for locals :

http://www.shiresoft.net/riverside_bar/history/

Cheers - Neil Smith
MVP Digital Media 2004-2010
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Save the pub!

The Lamplighters is an excellent pub -- accessible by train, with fine views across the river. May it reopen soon!

The Lamplighters is not just a "local"; it is one of the pubs (like the Salutation or the Fox or the New Passage) where many Bristolians went of a summers evening or a Saturday afternoon. An amenity for Shire but also an institution for the city

There must be someone out there who can make a go of this classic pub. If things carry on as they are we'll just be left with fast food outlets and out of town retail parks.

So many happy memories of the lamplighters and boat trips over to Pill in my childhood. Save this lovely pub,we have enough pubs redeveloped into ugly flats already.

save it the only pub I can take an 89 year old lady to in shirehampton

save the pub

This is a great pub for the family, for food and for local groups to meet. I have been to several meetings there and meet with friends. It has been a pub for many years and is one of the few remaining historic buildings in the area that is still not spoiled by redevelopment. This is truly a pub worth saving. I know some people travel to enjoy the riverside position especially in the summer.

It would be a real shame if this historical pub was sold off. It would be great if it could have proper investment to make it a lovely family pub

I grew up, with frequent visits to the lamplighters and its land, walking along the river bank, and playing in the park. I have lots of happy memories of this place.

Without the support of the Lamplighters Pub, Shire's Big Picnic and our campaign to save the Lamplighters Land would not have been such a success. It would be a tragedy for this historic pub to close for good. Please pass this petition on to your friends.