Almost 4,000 campaigners who signed a petition to stop an iconic music room in Barnes being turned into a dining area have lost their battle.

A £1m renovation project which included relocating the jazz club in the Bull’s Head pub was met with hostility from campaigners and musicians, but the project was approved at a planning meeting on Thursday, August 15.

Despite pub group Geronimo Inns’ promise jazz would continue at the venue in Lonsdale Road, campaigners felt the renovations would lower the quality of the music and destroy the pub’s reputation.

The pub group will relocate the music room to the back of the pub - where there is currently a Thai restaurant.

Supporters said the pub was dilapidated and in need of refurbishment.

Barnes Community Association member Steven Mindel said: “The Bull’s Head is tired and needs some serious money spent on it.

“We welcome Geronimo’s intention to spend some £1m and its commitment to maintaining live music seven days a week.”

Campaigners feared a relocated music room would not do the previous one justice.

A petition started by Barnes resident John Hamshere attracted attention from big music names including Jamie Cullum.

Mr Hamshere said: “It’s a very famous room which has hosted the great and the famous for more than five decades.

“Its musical pedigree is without question. We are custodians of these things, we can’t rip it out.”

The Bull’s Head has seen Mick Jagger, Dudley Moore and Ronnie Scott perform.

Plans to renovate the pub include inputting a kitchen and dining area, the addition of a skylight and separate toilets for the new music room.