the owner of the Olive Garden restaurant and deli in Raynes Park is hoping to turn the abandoned Railway Function pub into a guest house.
Like many pubs across Merton and the country, the Railway Function (or The Funcktion as it was later known) has called time permanently, leaving an unappealing sight in Kingston Road.
Now owner Amrish Patel plans to turn the run down pub into a modern guest house - and has already sent plans and an application to Merton council to consider.
He said: “When people came to my business they would ask if there was anywhere to stay in Raynes Park. There is demand for a guest house.”
He also commended Merton council's co-operation and overall investment in the area. He said: “We want to help improve the more run down parts of Raynes Park and the council has understood that.”
He hopes the development, if permitted, will start in April with a launch date close to Christmas.
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