A group of rallying locals is seeking donations to help save a "much-loved" pub in Hampton.

The campaign group, Save the Dip, has already raised nearly £5,000, to save The Railway Bell, affectionately known as 'The Dip'.

The pub suspended trading in April 2024 following the death of longtime licensee, Seamus O'Kane.

The pub has now been declared an Asset of Community Value by Richmond Council (Credit: Robert Lee)

The freehold was then offered up for sale, causing Save the Dip to campaign against its selling.

As part of its campaigns, Save the Dip, which is led by Robert Lee, applied for the pub to become an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Following the application, Richmond council declared the pub an ACV last month.

A Save the Dip spokesperson told Teddington Nub News: "The Save The Dip group has been formed to try and reopen it, and we want to form a Community Benefit Society to try and purchase the pub from Stonegate plc, who hold the freehold."

Speaking about the campaign, Robert Lee said: "The Railway Bell, a treasured local asset, had to close last year following the death of the landlord.

"The purpose of this appeal is to raise money for our administrative costs, including a full survey of the business potential (cost about £2,000), and various registration fees.

"Donors should be aware that, while we will of course make best endeavours to buy the pub, success cannot be guaranteed."

You can donate to Lee's campaign here.