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Pub Preservation
Disappearing London
by Mark Hoile,
North London CAMRA
Pub Preservation Officer
The last full North London Pub Guide (1995) describes the postcode of N1
covering Islington, Camden, and Hackney as having nearly 200 pubs. Ten years
later developers have taken a heavy toll on these numbers. The examples here
were found within a few minutes drive of each other, each representing the
loss of a local amenity within the immediate community. The impact of these
closures is particularly noticeable as CAMRA approaches 'Community Pubs Week'
in mid-February.
 
The magnificent Crown and Anchor (left) in Cross Street is as the pictures
show, currently being converted to a single luxury residence. The once busy
ground floor bar has been totally removed and the room opened up with large
glass French doors, and a light void into what was the former cellar. Ironically
at the time of writing the original pub signs can still be seen on the exterior
of the building, including a chalk board advertising the evenings entertainment!
The King Edward VI (right) in Bromfield Street, demonstrates a warm familiarity
of local design from a bygone era. However despite appearances, the pub no longer
exists and it is in fact a church complete with wooden pews. However what appears
to be the original inn sign still exists on display in the church hall, perhaps
this in some way acknowledges the building’s former existence?
 
A few minutes away the Penny Farthing (left) at 14 Barnsbury Road is in the
process of conversion to a pizza restaurant, complete with a huge and grotesque
wood burning oven in what was once the bar area.
At the other end of Barnsbury Road at 164, can be found the long defunct
Eclipse, which with a striking period design is now residential flats, with no
real clues to its former existence (right).
 
In the Caledonian Road N7 can be found what are effectively the remains of the
former Caledonian Arms (left). The building appears to have been put to several
uses including a hostel and is in a poor state of repair.
To end on a more positive note, the Thornhill Arms at 148 Caledonian Road, is
a good example of what can be achieved when a pub is maintained and continues to
function with the support of local residents. A classic 'Charrington pub' (right),
the building contains many period features including what appears to be part of
the original bar.
CAMRA and the London Pubs Group monitor changes to London pubs, and will where
ever possible assist community groups in any campaign to preserve a community local,
along with the ongoing campaign to raise awareness of related issues.
Mark Hoile,
North London CAMRA Pub Preservation Officer / London Pubs Group
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 39.
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