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Pub Preservation
by Mark Hoile,
North London CAMRA
Pub Preservation Officer
Once again there has been a
great deal of activity in
North London concerning
pub closures and refurbishments.
Most recently it was welcoming
to see that ‘The Feathers’ (left) at 43
Linhope Street, Marylebone has undergone
a full refurbishment, and reopened
within a period of only two
weeks. This pub is most definitely the
smallest pub in NW1 if not in London
itself. A 'back street gem', the longstanding
licensee 'Des' and his enthusiastic staff, Suzey,
Erika, and Claire run a real community local. The two
regular real ales London Pride, and Flowers Original are
always available, and well received. The single bar is
smaller than a standard living room, but with a relaxed
and sociable clientele very accommodating. Upstairs is
an even smaller room which will soon open as a 'spirit
bar'. However access to the bar is only via a very narrow
and steep staircase. An outside drinking area is also
planned for the near future. The building itself is believed
to be late Edwardian, and a former coach house
and stables. The surrounding streets are mostly mews
with small terraced houses, and lined with street lights,
modelled in the style of gas lamps. The Feathers welcomes
all, and is well worth a visit when in the Marylebone
area.
Also in NW1 the 'Chester Arms' (left), has been advertised 'for sale at a
reduced price of only £395,000'. This is on the edge of the muchadored Regents
Park Crown Estate and as can be seen from the photo of Chester Terrace is
adjacent to some spectacularly attractive buildings. I understand that the pub
whilst still open has failed to reach the asking price and will now be marketed
as a 'restaurant conversion opportunity'. This therefore may suffer a similar
fate to that of the former Chalk Farm Tavern, which is now a large restaurant.
The 1987 North London pub Guide described the Chalk Farm Tavern as 'an ale house
in 1678 noted for prize fighting and duelling'.
Across in Hampstead the 'Old Bull and Bush' has
reopened following a refurbishment and is now
'gastrosised', selling only London Pride. It is also non
smoking throughout, and at the time of my visit was
very busy. The Flask in Hampstead (below) has come to
the attention of those concerned with pub preservation
as there is a planned refurbishment
about to take place. However I
understand that Youngs are keen
to consult historians and other interested
parties to ensure that the
refurbishment is sensitive to the
character of the interior of this superb
late Victorian masterpiece.
The glass panels dividing the public
from the saloon bar are of particular
interest and must be preserved.
More in the next Full Pint, however a visit in the near
future would be well rewarded.
Whilst in Hampstead the Holly
Bush (left) is once again subject
to rumours of change and is only
a short walk from the Flask, and
a worthy inclusion to any
Hampstead walk taking in pubs
of character. Mark Hoile
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 35.
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