Derelict pub owner ‘dropped’ property insurance after ‘repeated vandalism’

The landlord of a Barton Hill pub has ‘gave up’ on insuring his property after ongoing damage and break-ins over the past four years. London property owner and Natan Ltd director Mona Mogharebi has been waiting several years for planning permission to build flats in the garden of the Rhubarb Tavern in Barton Hill.

The pub closed in 2020 and the local community campaigned for it to reopen as a family-friendly pub from 2021. The door is currently wide open and some of the windows have been smashed.

Ms Mogharebi was recently contacted by Bristol City Council to insure the property, otherwise the council would insure the property and send her the bill. According to Ms Mogharebi, the council insured the property and sent her the bill, but it was broken into on the same day.

READ MORE: Crowdfunder to save historic local pub returns money to donors

READ MORE: Bristol’s child poverty crisis: More than half of children in one borough live below the threshold.

said Mrs. Mogharebi Bristol Live : “Over the past four years, we have made significant efforts to keep the property safe. In 2021, after removing the 27 squatters, we replaced all broken exterior doors and windows with new, solid ones.

“I paid for regular checks from two security companies for several months. I’ve gotten rid of broken windows several times, secured the damaged back gate twice, installed alarm cameras on the exterior walls, installed new locks on the two front doors many times; the most recent lock replacement was last november.

“I used to go with my contractor and/or my son to insure the property every time I heard from the police or neighbors about another break-in, to insure the property at a very high price. However, since November of last year, I have decided to cease further insurance efforts because the same people responsible for repeated vandalism have been relentless in their vandalism.

“While my property is being destroyed, the council has continued to charge me blank business rates and council tax. My two applications in the last four years have not yet received a decision.

“I have neither the will nor the financial means to continue to protect this property. Besides, it seems pointless as the criminals will continue their destruction unabated.”