Gavin Billenness
Published December 3, 2025 1:00am
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
The newly-formed White Swan Music and Arts charity wants to save the derelict White Swan in Charlton
Squeeze singer-songwriter Glenn Tilbrook is spearheading a grassroots effort to buy back a derelict Charlton pub and return it to the heart of the community.
The much-loved White Swan in The Village suddenly closed in 2020 just before Covid lockdowns were enforced.
Now a newly-formed charity, White Swan Music and Arts, has launched a crowdfunder to raise an initial deposit to buy back the Victorian two-storey building and prise it from the hands of developers.
One of the top crowdfunding rewards is a truly special one: an intimate VIP gig performed by Tilbrook himself.
Tilbrook has been the lead singer of Squeeze since their formation in 1974, enjoying chart success with singles Cool for Cats and Up the Junction.
Glenn Tilbrook, right, with son Leon, who is also a musician (Picture: WireImage)
Organisers say it’s a rare chance to see the musician up close, in the kind of small, characterful venue where his own career first took shape — and where he hopes future generations will get their start.
The campaign begins in earnest today, when organisers host a crowdfunding video launch featuring a community ensemble of local residents, business owners, park runners, musicians as young as six – joined by Tilbrook himself, who jokes that he is ‘a little older,’ and his son Leon, also a local musician.
For Tilbrook, the cause is personal.
DICE's 25 grassroots artists to see in 2025
Ticketing app DICE has put together a list of their 25 grassroots artists you need to see in London over the next six months.
With tickets ranging from free to £27.50, these shows will ensure a great night to suit all tastes and budgets.
Click HERE to catch the full list.
He said: ‘Over fifty years ago, the first gig that myself and Jools Holland got was playing in the Morden Arms in Greenwich. We soon had a residency there and started getting gigs in other pubs, gradually. It was great fun and helped us to find ourselves.
‘Places like this are vital for young musicians to learn their craft, playing to friends and neighbours. I hope that The White Swan will be able to host another generation of musicians soon.’
The White Swan pub in The Village suddenly closed in March 2020 and has been empty ever since (Picture: Google Maps)
If successful, the Crowdfunder will allow the charity to purchase and restore the pub, reviving it as both a neighbourhood local and a creative hub.
Plans include a multi-purpose arts space above the bar with digital content facilities, rehearsal rooms and a small stage designed to give young performers their first taste of live gigging – a potential stepping stone, organisers say, to eventually packing out the O2 Arena down the road.
‘I hope that The White Swan will be able to host another generation of musicians soon’, says Tilbrook (Picture: Getty)
To donate, visit the charity’s Crowdfunder page here.
More Trending
-
Delivery driver lost his job after he shaved his beard
Channel: UK UK 8 hours ago By Luke Alsford - Woman faces £1,000 fine for 'walking wrong way on tube escalator'
- Cruz Beckham cosies up to girlfriend Jackie Apostel at star-studded Winter Wonderland
- Moment busker playing the tin whistle has cash snatched at Tube station by thief
In May, Metro partnered with the Mayor of London to celebrate the capital’s independent venues by launching the Grassroots Music Tube Map.
Backed by the likes of Billy Bragg and Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, the reimagined map shines a light on the artists and locations that define culture in the city.
Each Tube line reflects a different element of that heritage: the Piccadilly line features contemporary artists; the Northern has music legends; the Jubilee features albums and the Bakerloo contains much-loved songs about the city.
Arrow MORE: Donate a toy, get a pizza: London’s best feel-good Christmas schemes
Arrow MORE: Driver left ‘trail of carnage’ after ‘crashing into people in fatal Christmas Day attacks’
Arrow MORE: Moment busker playing the tin whistle has cash snatched at Tube station by thief
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The Diaspora DishJoin the family! Get behind-the-scenes interviews and soul-warming recipes from some of London's best Black chefs.
DOB ? Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
