The Hammersmith Ram, a west London pub said to have operated for around 300 years, closed permanently on 26 July and was converted within days into a discount household-goods shop. The change has prompted anger among some local residents, who say the loss of a longstanding social venue harms the character of King Street and adds to an existing concentration of similar shops.

Young’s said it had decided to close the pub after a careful review, marking the second pub closure on the street in a year. The building’s freehold was bought by Hammersmith Realty Ltd, linked to Amin Properties Holdings and Arora Family Legacy; Hammersmith & Fulham Council is investigating a possible planning breach because no change-of-use application was submitted before the shop opened. The new retailer sells items including suitcases, cookware, rice cookers, lamps and decorations, while some shoppers said they welcomed the availability of bargains.