Pub chain JD Wetherspoon is to sell its Highgate branch The Gatehouse after 22 years.

The 19th-century North Road drinking hole is one of 20 Wetherspoons branches being sold by the chain for “commercial” reasons – including The Devonshire House in Broadway, Crouch End. It is thought both will remain as pubs.

The Gatehouse is best known as the location of the Upstairs at the Gatehouse theatre, which is above the pub. It has been run by JD Wetherspoon since 1993.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said: “We appreciate that customers at both pubs will be disappointed that they are up for sale.

“We have taken a commercial decision to dispose of a small number of pubs within our estate.

“The pubs will remain trading until they are sold.

“Staff at both The Gatehouse and Devonshire House will be offered jobs within our existing pubs, however, some might decide to remain with the new owners.”