Brakspear Takes Over The Store Pub in Croydon 2026

Key Points

• Brakspear, a traditional brewers and country inn operators based in Henley, have taken over the abandoned lease for The Store pub on South End, Croydon.
• The company, with a history tracing back to 1769, took possession of the premises earlier this month (February 2026).
• A sign has been pasted to the window of The Store confirming that WH Brakspear and Sons Ltd now holds the premises.
• No public details yet released on Brakspear’s plans for the pub or an opening date.
• The venue is now listed among Brakspear’s 125 pubs on the company’s website.
• Most Brakspear pubs are traditional-style country inns, primarily located in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and the home counties.
• Closest Brakspear pubs to Croydon: Prince of Wales on Brixton Hill and the recently refurbished White Bear gastropub in Fickleshole, between Biggin Hill and Warlingham.
• All Brakspear pubs sell the brewers’ own ales, seen as a significant upgrade from The Store’s previous offerings.
• The Store closed in October last year (2025) after a drive for “gentrification” led to increased bar and restaurant prices and the removal of beer pumps.
• Brakspear currently lists the venue under the name The Store, though it has previously been known as The Joker, a name also used for a Brakspear pub in Brighton.

Croydon (South London News) February 23, 2026 – Brakspear, the Henley-based traditional brewers and country inn operators with roots dating back to 1769, have taken possession of the former pub The Store on South End, marking a potential revival for the abandoned venue that shuttered last October. A prominent sign on the window declares that WH Brakspear and Sons Ltd secured the lease earlier this month, and the site now appears on the company’s website among its 125 pubs. While no specific plans or opening date have been disclosed, locals anticipate an upgrade, particularly with Brakspear’s signature ales replacing the previous establishment’s limited beer selection amid its failed gentrification efforts.

What Is Brakspear Planning for The Store?

As reported by Inside Croydon, the primary source covering this development, Brakspear has not yet released detailed plans for the Croydon venue.

The article notes that a sign pasted to the window of The Store explicitly states that WH Brakspear and Sons Ltd took possession of the premises earlier this month. No further details of what the company is planning for the pub, or an opening date, have yet been made public, though the venue is now listed among Brakspear’s 125 pubs on the company’s website.​

Brakspear’s portfolio predominantly features traditional-style country inns, most of them situated in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and the home counties.

This suggests a likely return to classic pub fare and real ales at The Store, contrasting sharply with its recent history. The Inside Croydon piece highlights that the closest Brakspear pubs to Croydon are the Prince of Wales on Brixton Hill and the recently refurbished White Bear gastropub in Fickleshole, between Biggin Hill and Warlingham. All such outlets sell the brewers’ own ales, which will represent a significant upgrade from the offer provided by The Store before its closure.

Why Did The Store Close Last Year?

The Store on South End closed in October last year, as detailed in the Inside Croydon report. A drive for “gentrification” saw its bar and restaurant prices go up significantly, while its beer pumps were ripped out, alienating traditional pub-goers.

This shift failed to attract the desired upscale clientele, leading to the venue’s abandonment and the lease becoming available for Brakspear.

No statements from previous operators are quoted in the coverage, but the context provided underscores a mismatch between ambition and local demand. Brakspear currently lists The Store under that name on its site, though they also operate The Joker in Brighton—a moniker the Croydon venue has had previously when run in conjunction with the south coast pub. This historical link hints at possible naming considerations, though no confirmation exists.

Where Is The Store Located and What Is Its History?

The Store is situated on South End in Croydon, a vibrant area known for its mix of independent shops, eateries, and nightlife. Inside Croydon describes it as an abandoned lease opportunity in this prime spot, now poised for rejuvenation under Brakspear’s stewardship.

The pub’s past includes a stint as The Joker, tying it loosely to Brakspear’s Brighton operation, but specifics on prior management remain unelaborated beyond the gentrification misstep.

Croydon’s pub scene has seen fluctuations, with venues like The Store struggling amid rising costs and changing tastes. Brakspear’s entry could stabilise the location, drawing on their expertise in managing 125 outlets nationwide.

Who Are Brakspear and What Is Their Background?

Henley-based Brakspear trace their company’s history back to 1769, positioning them as one of Britain’s longstanding brewing families. As Inside Croydon reports, they specialise in traditional brewers and country inn operations, with a focus on real ales that define their brand.

The firm’s expansion into Croydon represents a southward push from their core home counties territory.

No executive statements are attributed in the article, but the listing of The Store on their website signals firm commitment. Brakspear’s model emphasises community-oriented inns, which could resonate in Croydon’s diverse neighbourhoods.

How Does This Fit Brakspear’s Pub Portfolio?

Brakspear’s 125 pubs are overwhelmingly traditional-style country inns, as per the Inside Croydon coverage. Examples near Croydon include the Prince of Wales on Brixton Hill, a reliable local, and the White Bear in Fickleshole—a gastropub recently refurbished to blend classic charm with modern appeal. These venues prioritise Brakspear’s own ales, setting a benchmark for The Store’s future.

The Store’s prior incarnation lacked such cask offerings, with beer pumps removed during its gentrification phase. Brakspear’s involvement promises a “significant upgrade,” restoring proper pub credentials.

What Has Been the Local Reaction?

While Inside Croydon does not quote specific residents or councillors, the article implies optimism among locals weary of the venue’s decline. The rapid listing on Brakspear’s site suggests preparations are underway, potentially sparking buzz in Croydon’s South End community.

Traditional ale enthusiasts may welcome the change, given the area’s proximity to established Brakspear spots.

Croydon Council has not issued comments in the available reporting, but such lease takeovers often align with borough efforts to revitalise high streets.

When Will The Store Reopen Under Brakspear?

No opening date has been announced, according to Inside Croydon. Possession earlier this month positions Brakspear to commence refurbishments swiftly, mirroring the White Bear’s recent overhaul. The window sign and website inclusion indicate momentum, though traditional inns require time for authentic fittings and ale line installations.

Patrons of nearby Prince of Wales may speculate on timelines based on past Brakspear projects, but official word is pending.

Why Is This News Significant for Croydon?

Croydon’s hospitality sector benefits from stabilised venues like The Store, preventing further dereliction on South End. Brakspear’s heritage—since 1769—brings credibility, potentially boosting footfall with quality ales absent under prior management. The shift counters gentrification pitfalls, favouring inclusive pub culture.

This move expands Brakspear beyond home counties, enriching south London’s ale trail alongside Brixton Hill and Fickleshole offerings.

Could The Store Retain Its Name or Change to The Joker?

Brakspear lists it as The Store currently, notes Inside Croydon, despite past use of The Joker in Croydon linked to their Brighton pub. No decision on rebranding is public, but consistency with traditional naming prevails in their portfolio.

A Joker revival might nod to history, yet The Store’s recognition could persist.

What Challenges Might Brakspear Face in Croydon?

South End’s dynamic mix demands adaptability, differing from rural inns. Past price hikes at The Store highlight sensitivity to costs, though Brakspear’s ale focus may draw crowds. Licensing and fit-out approvals are standard hurdles, unmentioned thus far.

Competition from gastropubs like White Bear tests differentiation.

Broader Context: Pub Industry Trends

Britain’s pub landscape evolves with closures offset by specialist operators like Brakspear. Their 125 venues thrive on cask ale loyalty amid craft beer rises. Croydon exemplifies urban challenges, where gentrification flops yield opportunities for revivalists.

No additional media beyond Inside Croydon covers this specific story as of February 22, 2026, underscoring its local focus.

This development, rooted in meticulous reporting by Inside Croydon, signals hope for Croydon’s pub-goers. With Brakspear’s 250-year legacy, The Store could reclaim its place as a South End staple, offering ales and atmosphere long missed. Further updates are anticipated as plans unfold.