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Publicans Richard Wooderson with his mother Mary outside
the Duke of Hamilton |
Publicans' 'desert' fear as late opening blocked
'Loss of atmosphere' blamed on rich incomers' search for peace
PUBLICANS have warned that Hampstead bars, some nearly 300
years old, could close unless they are allowed to stay open
later.
Michael Wooderson, who has run the Duke of Hamilton in New End
with his family for 16 years, is thinking of selling up, possibly
to a restaurant chain. The pub was established in 1721.
Mr Wooderson’s son, Richard, 31, claimed it is becoming
impossible for Hampstead pubs to compete with areas such as
Upper Street in Islington, which can offer late-night drinking.
Landlord Chris Ely, of Ye Olde White Bear in Well Road, blamed
recent incomers for trying to turn Hampstead into a “desert”.
He said: “Twenty-five years ago, the wealthy people in
Hampstead contributed to the community, but the people moving
in in the last five years – bankers and lawyers –
go to work, come home and close their doors.”
Mr Ely added: “There are some who want Hampstead to be
a really quiet neighbourhood, but historically it’s never
been like that.” And he warned: “It will become a
desert like Hampstead Garden Suburb.”
Nicolai Outzen, manager of the Holly Bush in Holly Mount, where
the pub building dates back to the 17th century, thinks Hampstead
has “lost its atmosphere”.
He said: “I don’t know if a late bar would make any
difference. The high street doesn’t have any unique and
quality shops any more. Hampstead has lost what it is known
for.”
Paul Davies, co-owner of the Sir Richard Steele pub in Haverstock
Hill, claims new licensing legislation is killing the pub trade.
Mr Davies, one of two Hampstead representatives on a publicans’
committee which meets the police, said: “The days of having
a pub and making a fortune are long gone. The council have taken
all the fun out of it.”
There are currently three boarded-up pubs in Heath Street –
Bedlam, Heath Bar and Room 68, which closed following pressure
from neighbours opposed to a late licence. Gertie Brownes, the
old Coach and Horses pub in Heath Street, is also on the market.
But one successful publican, Jasper Cuppaidge, formerly of The
Cow in Westbourne Park, west London, is moving into the area,
having bought The Three Horseshoes in Heath Street. He “loves
the village” and believes “there’s a real lack
of good independent pubs in the area”.
He plans to brew his own beer downstairs and employ a Michelin
star chef. Mr Cuppaidge has suggested that residents and publicans
sit down together, so that “Hampstead prospers rather than
falls apart”.
Tony Hillier, who chairs the Heath and Hampstead Society, the
pressure group acknowledged as largely responsible for fighting
late licence applications, has defended its actions.
He said: “It’s supply and demand – if people
want to go to pubs the pubs will be there. If people want a
late drink they can go to other areas.
“There’s no way the majority of pubs will become gastro.
That is nonsensical.” |
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