A HAMPSTEAD pub which wants to stay open until 2am will not become a haven for boozy teenagers its manager has vowed. Bosses at the Roebuck on Pond Street want to keep the basement bar open late at weekends but insist it will not become a nightclub. Mana

A HAMPSTEAD pub which wants to stay open until 2am will not become a haven for boozy teenagers its manager has vowed.

Bosses at the Roebuck on Pond Street want to keep the basement bar open late at weekends but in-sist it will not become a nightclub.

Manager Natalie Satchell met with neighbours, some of whom have objected to the plans, on Tuesday.

"It will be nothing like a nightclub," she said. "It's a not a case of us trying to turn it into a drinking den. We won't be selling alcopops. It will be a champagne and wine bar, a nice place to have a late drink.

"With upstairs closing at midnight it will also break up the noise of people leaving all at the same time. It's not aimed at being a drinking den with 18 year-olds jumping around all night."

Ms Satchell claims there has been support from staff at the Royal Free hospital, which is opposite the pub and provides much of its clientele.

"They've been quite happy because many of them work late," she said.

In 2005 the Roebuck, which has recently reopened after undergoing a massive revamp, also sparked complaints from neighbours when it put in a bid to stay open until midnight. Former Tory spin doctor Amanda Platell was among the objectors.

Jonathan Bergman from the South End Green Traders' Association said: "We do need a place for young people to go to at night but I am not sure across the road from a hospital is the perfect spot."

Camden police's licensing team are objecting to the proposed extension on the grounds of noise nuisance and because it may worsen the problem with street drinkers in nearby South End Green. Police have hinted they may still agree to the license if the pub accepts certain conditions.

A Town Hall licensing panel will discuss the application at a later date.