Newcomer Boyd Buys Palace Gem The Alma
November 8, 2011
One of Crystal Palace’s most treasured independent pubs, The Alma, has been sold through Davis Coffer Lyons to Stephen Boyd, former General Manager of a successful pub in East Dulwich, Antics The East Dulwich Tavern. Boyd has previously managed The Hyatt in Colorado, and was Area Manager for 11 Pitcher and Piano sites, before moving to Antic Pubs.
The Alma has a long history of more than 150 years, having traded as both a hotel and live music venue, and has long served as a focal point of the local area as a supporter of live music and for a time hosted the acclaimed Garden Market.
The pub will return it to its more natural form as a great British character pub and is set to reopen on 24 November 2011. Along with a full internal and external refurbishment utilising three fire places and other existing features, Boyd will install four hand pumps for great British ales and craft beers, and ten single unbranded fonts.
Stephen Boyd, said, On paper, The Alma, as it was then would have been unlikely to grab my attention but Chris’s knowledge of the site and Crystal Palace as a quickly growing and improving area of London made me realise its potential and versatility, and matched it to me as the offering I wished to operate. The purchase was an incredibly long process with some difficulties but DCL didn’t lose focus and I have no doubt that without Chris’s personal attention and ability to work out solutions for all parties this purchase wouldn’t have happened.
Our food offering will be the best of British and European styles with an emphasis on quality, ethically and locally sourced produce at great value. We will also transform the middle floor into a private function room for 50-60 people. We will also be creating a new garden area to include a permanent barbeque and will feature regular beer and cider festivals.
Chris Bickle, Associate Director, Davis Coffer Lyons, said, ‘This part of South East London has a unique village feel and is one the pockets of London where we have seen the most activity in 2011, further characterised by the prevalence of good quality independent retailers. The Alma has great potential and with Stephens vision will do very well. ‘
The Enterprise Inns leasehold was secured by Boyd from vendors Bombay Micks Ltd, a family run business who had owned the pub since early 2007.
