Monkey Business comedy club returns to Sir Richard Steele pub

The likes of Sean Lock, Lee Mack, Katherine Ryan, Sarah Pascoe and Harry Hill would play the quirky Haverstock Hill local where residents rubbed shoulders with TV and pop stars.

"We had a lot of big names and the success was because of the quality of the performers," says the Crouch End resident.

"But the philosophy of the house was good; we had the freedom and backing of management, and the pub had a great atmosphere. You can't have every show brilliant but a lot of were amazing; things last for 10 years for a reason."The Sir Richard Steele is named after the writer and politician who lived on the site (Image: Archant)

When former owners Faucett Inn won a planning battle to turn the upstairs into flats, Besserman moved his comedy and cabaret nights to other Camden venues, including The Oxford Tavern.

The pub closed in 2018 but now former landlord Jimmy McGrath, who ran it in the 80s, has bought a 20-year lease and reopened it. And on April fools day Besserman returns to 'The Steeles' with a "big reopening" in the downstairs function room featuring drag star Queera Lynne, and stand-ups Olga Braga, Rhys Thorne and Otter Lee.

Comic Rhys Thorne will play the opening night of The Chalk Farm Comedy Club on April 1 (Image: Courtesy of The Monkey Business Comedy Club)

"We've got a great line-up," says Besserman.

"I was in court with the rest of the community when they got permission to turn the upstairs into flats, and it's incredible to be back with comedy after so many years away. I was shocked when they got in touch with me, but they want to reinvent the success of the Sir Richard Steeles, and thought I was part of that success."

Besserman first started organising comedy nights at The Hanging Tree in Edgware Road more than 20 years ago where early acts included Nina Conti and Jimmy Carr.

"250 people turned up for a 100 capacity room so we moved into the main bar downstairs and I got a taste for it."Martin Besserman hosts many of his comedy nights which he has been running for 20 years (Image: Courtesy of Martin Besserman)

Alongside the Saturday night Chalk Farm Comedy Club, he will continue to run a new act night and the Camden Cabaret - a mix of drag, burlesque and comedy - at the All About Eve in Jamestown Road.

"Many performers who are household names stated off in clubs like mine, they have to develop their craft at little venues. My passion and dedication is in identifying future talent and putting together a good combination of performers. If I see someone unique and exceptional I usually make the right decision."

Details of acts at The Chalk Farm Comedy Club at Sir Richard Steele and Camden Cabaret at All About Eve can be found at http://www.monkeybusinesscomedyclub.co.uk/