Plans to re-open a much-loved and historic pub in South End Green have been announced less than two weeks after it closed its doors.
The Magdala in South Hill Park will re-open under new owners in the New Year, having closed on Sunday, September 7.
The news has gone down well with residents and regulars who launched a campaign to “safeguard” the historic watering hole – famously where the last woman to be hanged in Britain, Ruth Ellis, shot her boyfriend – when it was sold earlier this year.
David Kitchen, acting chairman of the South End Green Association, said: “We’re delighted and hopefully not only the main bar, but also the first-floor function room will be saved. We’re really overjoyed.”
The lease has been taken on by brothers Jonathan and Andrew Perritt, of Perritt & Perritt, who already run The Stag in nearby Fleet Road, as well as The Mall Tavern in Notting Hill.
Hampstead resident Jonathan, 40, said: “When we heard it was available, we got in touch with the freeholder immediately.
“We’re going to take our time and hopefully in January we will be opening a great local pub with a great drinks offer and a simple food offer.
“Hampstead is a great area, it’s been home to some great pubs over the centuries and it’s exciting to be part of that landscape.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here