The Sportsman in Croxley is a pub that needs no introduction, yet locals fear that the site has poured its last pint.
A beloved village favourite, residents were distraught to learn the news of the pub’s closure at the end of February.
However, it’s not like Croxley residents to give up without a fight.
On Friday, February 28, residents came together outside the pub to show their support for Save our Sportsman (SoS), a community-led campaign dedicated to keeping the beloved pub open. They are working to register the pub as an Asset of Community Value, which would provide six months for the community to explore alternatives to the closure.
A staple of the community for generations, the pub featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2025 for “its welcoming atmosphere, great selection of real ales, and its roles as a gathering place for locals”.
Homing in on the unique spirit of the village, The Sportsman was often the stage for traditional performances by the Croxley Mummers, helping residents to delve into the area’s rich history.
Residents were quick to share their disappointment. One shared that there are “too many [pubs] closing”, while another said The Sportsman “used to be a great pub”.
Mark Burch, chair of SoS, said: “The turnout (on Friday, February 28) proves just how much The Sportsman means to our community. This is about more than a pub—it’s about protecting a space where people come together, socialise, and support one another.”
Speaking to Croxley News, Dickinsons Ward councillor Narinder Sian said: “The Sportsman holds a special place in Croxley Green’s history. Many of us have very happy memories here—whether it was a quiet pint with friends, a lively game of darts, or a festive Mummers performance. It’s heartbreaking to see another well-loved pub close, and my thoughts are with the staff and regulars who have worked so hard to keep it going.”
The pub’s closure comes as the hospitality industry faces increasing pressures, despite efforts by the team to keep it running.
Cllr Sian added: “Pubs like The Sportsman are at the heart of communities like Croxley Green. The support shows just how important it is to fight for our local heritage.”
The Sportsman has been contacted for comment.
Photo: Narinder Sian Facebook
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