One of London’s oldest live music venues has temporarily shut for a major revamp. The Half Moon, in Putney, is set to reopen in April with a new outdoor terrace and upgrades to attract more customers.
The first floor of the iconic pub, on Lower Richmond Road, will be extended to create the new terrace, which will have a retractable roof and spiral staircase. The venue will also get new equipment to allow it to sell a better range of food, while it will undergo some internal reorganisation and redecoration.
The pub was rebuilt in 1903 and had transformed into a live music venue by the early 1960s, attracting rock, folk and jazz acts. The Rolling Stones, The Who, Kate Bush and U2 are among those who have performed at the venue, which is owned by Young’s and still hosts live music every night of the week.
Wandsworth Council approved the makeover in August 2023.
Planning documents said the investment will “reinvigorate the public house, improving its popularity and customer base, and ultimately securing its long-term viability”.
The documents added: “The additional space proposed through the attractive external terrace area is proposed to attract more customers and improve the range of facilities for patrons.”
Credit: Planning Potential/Young’s, provided in Wandsworth Council documents
The refurbished pub is set to reopen in early April. In the meantime, updates on the works will be posted on its social media pages.
