Thirsty punters hoping to cheer the reopening of a much-loved pub were left disappointed when it did not go ahead at the time that had been announced.

Expectations were high that The Sir Richard Steele, in Haverstock Hill, would reopen this evening (February 17) under the "old management" of its previous owner.

Local press including the Ham&High and The Camden New Journal were mistakenly told and reported that the pub would open its doors at 4pm today.

However the Ham&High has now been told that there was a blunder, and the actual intended launch date is next Friday (February 24).

The Ham&High was told that many regulars turned up as early as noon hoping to have a pint at the pub once again, only to see another date chalked beside the door.

When the paper arrived to cover the opening, it was told there had been a mistake.

Ham & High: A notice has been put up telling punters the pub reopens on February 24A notice has been put up telling punters the pub reopens on February 24 (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

Jimmy McGrath, who owns the King William IV pub in Hampstead High Street, wants to bring back "happy times" and has bought a 20-year lease.

Jimmy ran the pub in 1984 before handing the reins to his son.

The pub was then taken over by Faucett Inns in 2011 and made an asset of community value in 2016.

It has been closed for the past six weeks.

"The pub was available and I always liked it. There were happy times there and memories so why not," Jimmy previously told the Ham&High.

Ham & High: The Sir Richard Steele pub in Haverstock HillThe Sir Richard Steele pub in Haverstock Hill (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

"We're offering what we did before.. music, candlelights, all kinds of things, just how it used to be. It was a very happy pub for a long time. 

"Up until this Friday it's been closed for a while. People will be happy because they have lots of fond memories."

Ham & High: People waiting to revisit the pub must wait another weekPeople waiting to revisit the pub must wait another week (Image: Joseph Reaidi)

In its past, the venue attracted celebrity clientele such as Jude Law, Kate Moss and the Gallagher brothers.

A notice has been placed by the doors to let pedestrians know that The Sir Richard Steele is not opening today.

Once it does actually open next week, punters can enjoy drinks from 4pm until midnight.

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