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Pub Preservation
by Mark Hoile,
Pub Preservation Officer
Crockers, NW8
North London Branch have once again been kept busy with another proposed closure of a very well known and much loved pub with listed building status, II*(star). This time the potential tragic loss to our heritage concerns Crocker’s Folly in Aberdeen Place NW8.
The Chief Executive of Regent Inns posted a letter in the main bar area detailing the terms of the sale of the building to a property developer, who would, following the closure of the pub on Wednesday 8th May seek to convert the ground and basement floors to a restaurant (Indian), and create residential flats at the upper levels. However, the proposed sale to the developer collapsed and the pub itself remained open with a temporary staff team. The uncertainty created, and the existing restaurant closure resulted in a significant loss of trade. A sale of the premises finally took place on 16th June to a new company who it is understood wish to continue trading as a public house, following an early refurbishment. More details in the next issue.
More positive pub preservation news comes from Kentish town where The Pineapple (see last issue of TFP) has now reopened under the management of new owners who secured the property by direct purchase. The pub’s reopening was a significant victory for the Pineapple Rescue group who enjoyed wide ranging support from many interested parties including CAMRA.
Lastly, the magnificent and imposing building that is Jack Straws Castle on Hampstead Heath is now closed and boarded up, with an uncertain future.
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 16.
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