Concern is mounting over the future of the Brewery Tap and the Six Bells, the two pubs most popular with Brentford Dockers.
Both are being advertised on the Fullers website under Current Pub Vacancies.
The search for new licensees could not come at a more difficult time in the pub business. According to trade surveys, pubs are closing down at a rate of 25 per week, with around 1,300 bars calling last orders for the final time in 2010 alone. So there is bound to be some worry about who will be willing to put up the money in such a difficult economic climate.
The Fullers website gives the following details for the Brewery Tap, probably the more popular bar with Dock residents.
Fullers state: 'A traditional pub in the middle of Brentford with the reputation of well kept casked ales and home cooked food. With a large local following, the weekends are packed for the live entertainment on offer.
Rent: £30,000
Ingoing costs: c£28,000
Key Selling Points: The Brewery tap is known for its live entertainment and people will travel near and far to watch the live music. Not far from Brentford Football club an opportunity to show the games and encourage the supporters.'
In comparison, the investment and costs for the Six Bells is higher.
Fullers state: 'Located at the Western end of Brentford High Street opposite the newly developed Brentford Lock, the Holiday Inn and residential housing surrounds the pub. Glaxo Smithkline and Sky HQ are close by as is Brentford Football Club.
Kew Gardens Underground Station and Brentford Train Station are just over a mile away. The river/canal bank can be accessed on foot and is 200 meters from the pub.
Rent: £35,000
Ingoing costs: c£65,000
Key Selling Points: Refurbished less then a year ago, The Pub is in a great location to Holiday Inn and other surrounding businesses. An opportunity to market and build on lunchtime trade.'
One Brewery Tap regular told us: 'This is a great pub brilliantly run and it plays an important role in the community, especially with the music nights. We all just want to see its future secured.'
For both pubs, interested parties are advised to contact Lucy-Marie Sherfield on 0208 996 2100.
As we went to press, we sent an email to Tony Johnson, Fullers' public relations manager, saying:
One important local issue is the status of the two nearest pubs to the Dock - the Brewery Tap and the Six Bells, both Fullers houses. They serve an important role in the community, especially the Tap, with its exceptional music nights.
We would like to report the position regarding both - and perhaps widen the public appeal for suitable tenants to take them over.
Can you please tell us what the position is at the moment?
Is the search proving fruitful?
How difficult is it to find people to take over in this economic climate with so many pubs facing difficulties and indeed closing?
What are the factors which you, as a progressive company, have to take into account?
How is a search conducted and a decision reached?
To what extent has the situation changed in recent times?
In a place like Brentford - very much at the Fullers heartland - people are interested in these answers because they know how much your decisions will affect the town.
'Thank you in anticipation for your assistance.'
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