A Highgate pub theatre has been listed as an asset of community value to protect it from potential future development.

The Highgate Society asked Camden Council to grant Upstairs at the Gatehouse theatre ACV status - meaning community groups will get first refusal to buy if it goes up for sale in the next five years.

Society secretary Francis Wilkinson said they were "delighted" their application for the fringe theatre above The Gatehouse pub was successful.

"This means that, for the next five years at least, the use of Upstairs at the Gatehouse as a performance space is protected – and we hope it will continue to thrive in that period and long after it," he said.Ham & High: Upstairs at the Gatehouse is above the Gatehouse Pub in HighgateUpstairs at the Gatehouse is above the Gatehouse Pub in Highgate (Image: Polly Hancock)

Highgate residents and society members John and Katie Plews took over the lease in 1997. What is now the theatre opened as Highgate Hall in 1895; a place "suitable for balls, Cinderellas and concerts". Over the years it has mostly functioned as a performance venue, including a music hall, a silent era cinema, a Masonic Lodge, and a jazz and folk club that was once graced by Paul Simon.

"We are very pleased the ACV has gone through and grateful to the Highgate Society for taking the initiative," said John Plews.

"It's safeguarded the theatre, and although it is not set in stone, it would make it more difficult if anyone wanted to develop this place into something else."

The pub's owner Urban Pubs and Bars own a string of more than 40 pubs in north, central and east London. They currently have plans to knock through to an empty restaurant at neighbouring 1, Hampstead Lane.Ham & High: John Plews who co-runs Upstairs at the Gatehouse with wife KatieJohn Plews who co-runs Upstairs at the Gatehouse with wife Katie (Image: Nigel Sutton)

Plews added: "We sub-let from the pub company, and while we get on really well with Urban pubs, the danger is always that they might sell to a bigger national operation. That's been a concern and that's why this is great news."

At 446ft above sea level the Plews' claim Upstairs at the Gatehouse as London's 'top theatre'. Over the years they have staged award-winning plays and musicals and are about to open their Christmas show, Summer in the City.

The 60s jukebox musical features songs of the era including Downtown, I'm a Believer and Ferry Across the Mersey.

Bookings at https://www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com/