Enforcement officers evicted 16 squatters from the Harringay Arms in Crouch End early this morning.
Officers from Andrew Wilson & Co arrived at the now disused pub at about 7am.
Bystanders said the squatters, who had been staying at the site for a month, left “peacefully”.
The owner of Organic hairdressers, next door to the Arms, told journalism student Cameron Charters: “We knew they were there for about a month. We never heard anything. We saw them pottering around. They were no trouble.”
Another witness added: “I feel sorry for them, it was not like they were breaking any laws. They were just using it as a shelter. The government should be taking some responsibility to house people on the street or shift them somewhere temporary.”
Pub goers relayed their sadness when the Arms, on Crouch Hill, announced its closure in early July. Some described the Arms as the “last good pub in Crouch End”, whilst another said “my favourite pub, had so many good times in there!”
One squatter, who did not want to be named, said about their eviction: “It wasn’t expected but at the same time it was. We will probably split up now and try to meet up again later.”
A spokesman for Bermondsey Pub Co, who own the Harringay Arms, could not confirm whether they were aware that squatters were on their premises, nor when the pub would reopen.
He said: “We can confirm we have taken over the Harringay Arms, Crouch End. We will be offering a wide drinks range and a great food offer to complement. We look forward to welcoming back existing and new customers once it has reopened.”
A spokesperson for Andrew Wilson & Co said: ““Acting on behalf of a firm of solicitors, Andrew Wilson & Co high court enforcement officers used a writ of possession to gain high court approval to enter the building, by force if necessary, and take possession of the property by evicting the squatters.”
The Harringay Arms is the second premises to be evicted of squatters in Crouch End in a week after enforcement officers visited the One Bourbon Tavern on Middle Lane on October 10.
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