Save the Intrepid Fox

My favorite London pub will be closed on September 11th. I have been going to The Intrepid Fox since 1992, and always go back for the irreverent and no nonsense punk attitude that seeps from every nook and cranny. The closure is a heartbreaking example of corporate capitalism defeating cultural tradition. But Mitchells & Butlers, the major corporation managing pub chains such as O'Neils, has sold the site of the pub. For their directors, share prices are apparently more important. While the market economy should thrive on "creative destruction," this is destruction without creativity just to make a quick profit. Pubs survived on this site since the mid 18th Century, until this company came along.

My letter to the local MP is attached. Please support this campaign.

Dear Mr. Field,

I am writing regarding the impending closure of the Intrepid Fox pub in Wardour Street, Westminster, London. The pub has recently been sold for redevelopment by Mitchells & Butlers, as detailed in a recent news article:

Last orders at the Intrepid Fox

I would like to underscore that while Mitchells & Butlers may serve their private interests through the sale, the redevelopment of the site would violate the interests of the public in Westminster. The Intrepid Fox has a long history as an iconic cultural institution for alternative music that is known world-wide. Its a geniune London institution that deserves support of public officials in London for the sake of preserving the cultural capital of our beloved city. London is (punk) rock and roll, and the Intrepid Fox is rock and roll with attitude.

To my knowledge, saving the Intrepid Fox requires no public subsidy. The pub has proven a perfectly viable business, but simply one that doesn't generate the desired corporate rate of return for its past owners.

A petition has been circulated to prevent the redevelopment of the site. I look forward to your energetic support of this petition in the public interest. Further details are here.

Thanks very much for your support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gregory Jackson
Department of Management
King's College London