It might just be that you will be buying a drink at the Prince of Wales again now that owners Stonegate has confirmed that it is negotiating to sell to another pub company! Thanks to the efforts of your three local councillors, the East Barnet Residents Association and the local community, Stonegate issued the following statement: 'We can confirm we are currently in the final stages of selling the Prince of Wales to another pub company. Whilst the Prince of Wales will no longer be part of the Stonegate Group, we hope to see the site continue to be a central part of the East Barnet community and wish the new owners the very best of luck with the venue.'

We have no further details yet such as the identity of the prospective owners or when the POW might re-open but it would seem our pressure has paid off in support of a much-loved pub which occupies a key place in the hearts of the people of East Barnet. Now that the POW is listed as an asset of community value with Barnet Council, we will have to see if and when Stonegate inform the council of their proposed sale as they are obliged to do under the rules. That would potentially provide space for other buyers from the community or elsewhere. We have had interest from pubs and brewing companies about the POW. 

If anyone has further questions or comments they can either post on the petition site or contact me at cllr.p.cohen@barnet.gov.uk or Rob White of the residents association at rob@eastbar.net

Thanks once again for your support which shows the power of community!