Brendan the Navigator Highgate pub reopens under new management

Brendan The Navigator in Highgate Hill had been run since 2021 by former musician John Rynne but closed on June 10 with a Facebook post saying they were "squeezed out".

The news was greeted with huge sadness by regulars, but the pub - named after a sixth century Irish saint who sailed across the Atlantic - was once again serving pints last week.

Olivia Isbitt, whose family-run pub group Connexus have taken over Brendan The Navigator on Highgate Hill, says it's a 'good fit' for them and a 'beautiful community pub.' (Image: Courtesy of Connexus)

The new owner is Olivia Isbitt, whose family-run pub company Connexus also operate The Phoenix in Camden Town and The Brondesage in Kilburn High Road.

Olivia's dad Terry O'Sullivan is of Irish descent and has been running pubs since the 90s, including The Wishing Well in Kingsbury.

She says the Anglo-Irish pub, which hosted traditional music nights and Irish dancing, "feels like a great fit for us".

Brendan The Navigator closed last month following a dispute between the tenant and the landlord but is now reopen under new management and will keep its quirky name. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

"We were approached about running it and it is such a beautiful community pub with a lot of character," she said.

"We had a lot of sorting out to do to get the doors open, but the building was in good condition and we didn't do any internal refurb - it was more maintenance and equipment.

"We wanted to re-open as quickly as we could because it's not good for anyone to have pubs closed on the high street.

"We have felt very welcome - everyone is so delighted to see it back."

Olivia, whose sister also works with their dad in the pub company says they will keep the quirky name "because it's known and loved by the community".

They have already reinstated the quiz, and plan music nights every Saturday and other community focused events.

They will also open the kitchen serving Irish style 'spice bags' and Sunday roasts.

"We operate community pubs and this is a community venue so we don't intend to make huge changes because all we have heard from the community is how good a pub it is," she said.

"We are free of ties so we want to listen to them about what they want from the bar.

"We had our first England match on Saturday and it was great to see the pub so full and busy."

The pub building dates back to 1904 and was previously known as The Tourian Lounge and before that the Old Crown Inn.

Before Mr Rynne reopened the pub it had been closed for three years.

A spokesman for freeholder AJR Leisure said the landlord had made significant efforts to support the previous tenant and maintain the tenancy.

He added: "We are pleased that an experienced independent operator has now taken over the premises under a new lease. Their focus is to preserve the pub’s long-standing tradition, support the local community, and ensure it continues to thrive as a welcoming venue for local residents for many years to come."