It’s getting a bit confusing keeping track of the fate of the Steamer’s Trading shop! Last year it was widely reported here (read article), and elsewhere that the shop would be closing and converted into a bar/restaurant called “The Lost and Found”
The site was sold to Marston’s brewery and pub group, after they had obtained planning approval. The very detailed plans, consisting of 65 different documents, outlined the intention to make use of both floors of the building, with various bars – including a secret bar hidden behind sliding doors for private parties!
Marston’s change mind – site now sold for £4.5m!
MyMarlow recently learned that Marston’s have had a change of heart, and the building has been to a property investment firm for £4.5m.
A Marston’s spokesperson told MyMarlow: ” We were offered an attractive price for the site and we took the decision to focus our capital projects on a number of other locations, in what has been a very busy year.”
We have contacted the new owners, but as yet they are not prepared to comment on their intentions for the building. We were, and still are, sorry to see Steamer’s Trading leave – but were also excited at the thought of the building reverting to a pub once again. In fact the Managing Director of Steamer Trading, when referring to their decision leave, was quoted last year as saying “We fully understood what Marstons wanted to achieve with this great building…… We know that there was huge interest within Marlow for a use that truly opened up the first floor assembly room to the public and Marstons plans really do that.”
Of course, it still could end up being a pub, shop, restaurant – or some combination thereof. We will keep you posted as we learn more!
History of the building
Built in 1806 to replace an ageing market hall – the new town hall building served as a covered market, fire station and assembly rooms. Most famously , the building became part of the Crown Hotel – and eventually the Crown pub so fondly remembered by many Marlovians. Steamer Trading opened its doors in 2008 following an extensive restoration of the building.
