The Lock, IES AV Community Pub crestTHE LOCKHelp us buy it
The Lock pub on the water's edge at Harlow Mill
The Lock crest — IES AV Community Pub, Harlow Mill

Harlow Mill · Essex

Our pub is for sale. Let's buy it back.

The Lock is up for sale and the community won't sit by while another corporation guts it. We're raising the backing to put it in local hands — a smart, community-owned venue for Harlow's talent, its makers and its people.

Help us buy The LockRead the story

Time is slipping — the sale deal draws closer

Why we're here

Not another pub lost to a balance sheet

Our local pub is up for sale, and we — the community — don't want another corporation ruining what makes a proper local work. That's where we come in.

We want to buy The Lock and hand it to the community at Harlow Mill, turning it into IES AV Community Pub — The Lock: a smart pub fitted with Crestron & Lutron that helps staff work easier and more effectively, so they can be there for the community.

We've been out in the community and listened. That's why we're bringing three kitchens. That's why we're opening the stage. This is the pub you want — not the corporate approach, the pub you'll get.

Flipping the script

One venue, many nights

With a 300″ projector screen and a cinema-quality projector, we can showcase a performer's artwork and band name while they play — going from a singer one minute to a dance-off to a rock band the next. That's the level of talent in Harlow, and the world needs to know about it.

Harlow Rock School

Young bands and soloists who deserve a real stage, not just a once-a-year park slot.

Backing us

Harlow Playhouse

Theatre, spoken word and performance carried from the wings to the bar.

Backing us

Hip Hop Pop Dance Harlow

Crews and choreographers turning the floor into a dance-off mid-set.

Backing us

Live Wire Harlow

Live music nights where a singer becomes a rock band within a verse.

Backing us

The Great Parndon Community Association

The neighbourhood voice making sure the pub stays the community's.

Backing us

Bringing back what was lost

The Square, remembered

Many years ago we had a venue called The Square. It was knocked down and replaced by a car park, leaving many local residents angry about the decision.

We now have the chance to bring that back to Harlow through this project — a stage the town actually owns, where local arts and culture get more than a single afternoon in the park once a year.

300″

Cinema projector screen

Artwork, band names and film — projected while the talent performs.

We listened

Three kitchens, one welcome

Out in the community we heard it again and again — so we're running three dedicated kitchens so nobody is left out of the table.

  • The Meat Kitchen

    Cuts from Bushfair Butchers and Churchgate sausages, done proper — pies, roasts, the works.

  • The Vegan kitchen

    Plant-led plates built on Herts & Essex Community Farm and farmers' market veg.

  • The Gluten-Free kitchen

    A dedicated line, no cross-contamination, so everyone eats the same night out.

Supporting local business

Backed by Harlow's makers

We have agreements in place and backing from the following local producers — keeping supply, money and craft in the town.

Bushfair Butchers

Meat

Churchgate Sausage Shop

Meat

Mayfield Farm Bakery

Bread, Pastries & Treats

Herts & Essex Community Farm

Veg

Harlow Newhall Farmers Market

Veg

Harlow Harvey Centre Market

Veg

Community Embrace

Waste? What waste — any surplus heads to Herty & her gang to reach the disadvantaged communities of Harlow and the surrounding areas.

Backed by the town

Endorsed by Harlow's institutions

The project has the backing of the bodies that serve Harlow — because they see what it opens up for the community.

Harlow Council

They love the project because of how we work with the community — supporting residents, communities and local businesses, and opening opportunities the town has been waiting for.

Harlow College

We've pledged to take on apprentices and offer work experience, making opportunity more accessible so people can follow their dreams and careers.

Fire Brigade & Police Department

Working with the community, not against it. Shown the plans, they asked why this isn't already in the town — and said how busy we'd be thanks to the 300" projector and our community focus.

Built to help, not just to serve

A smart pub for the people who run it

Fitted with Crestron & Lutron control, the building works for its staff — lighting, sound and the big screen run from one place, so the team can spend their time on the people in front of them, not fiddling with gear.

We'll keep being out in the community, shaping the pub you want — not the corporate approach, the pub you'll get.

Get involved

Pledge your support

Whether you can pledge funds, volunteer time, offer skills, or simply want to send a message of support — we want to hear from you. Every voice counts.

Time is slipping

Help us be the change

Please help us be the change rather than waiting for something that may never happen. The sale deal draws closer — if you read this and wish to help, reach me directly.

Call Lewis — +44 7498 572823Email — Info@iesav.co.uk

Lewis Brand

Founder — IES AV Ltd

+44 7498 572823

Info@iesav.co.uk