Highgate’s historic Prince of Wales pub has temporarily closed for a £250,000 refurbishment but its new manager has moved to allay fears that the traditional boozer will lose its character.
The Highgate High Street pub is a listed building and plans are underway to sympathetically restore the exterior and bring the decor up to date before re-opening in early December.
When it re-opens, there will be a new face behind the bar.
Paul McAstocker will be taking over the pub’s running, but he has pledged to retain the pub’s atmosphere and continue what he calls the hardest pub quiz in London.
Paul said: “Proper British pubs are a dying breed in the area.
“There’s been a lot of concern that the Prince of Wales will become a wine bar or gastro pub but it will remain the great local that residents know and love.”
Camden Council has been closely involved in the refurbishment plans, which will see a garden created overlooking Pond Square.
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