A historic pub that is currently being brought back to life is preparing to open early next year.
Pub chain Young’s has teased that The Constitution pub in St Pancras Way, Camden Town, will be serving punters once more in February 2024.
Earlier this year scaffolding was erected around the former building, which has been closed since February 2020, just before the hospitality industry was forced to close during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The watering hole was opened in 1858 and according to the Campaign for Real Ale is the last remaining building from the old Agar Town, a short-lived working-class community swept aside by the development of St Pancras station and its rail lines.
Its patio terraced garden overlooking Regent's Canal was a four-time finalist in Camden in Bloom.
Young’s has said on social media that it will be back with “serious glow up vibes”.
On Instagram, the operators wrote: “The Conny is well on its way and we’re already planning those summer seshes on our canal side sun soaked terrace - not to mention brand spanking new stunning rooftop!”
Young’s first submitted an application to revitalise the venue to Camden Council in 2021.
In a design and access statement, architect Sampson Associates said: “The public house is currently closed as it is inadequate for trading and has been subject to squatters and vandalism.”
Pictures in the document show graffiti inside the empty venue and parts of wall ripped apart.
Sampson Associates said that the new pub would “increase the trading potential” and “ensure the future of an important historic and community asset”.
Plans include demolishing an existing rear single storey extension and replace it with a new structure to provide customer toilets and an accessible WC.
Changes would also be made to the existing pub building, including a first floor licensed drinking area, accessed by new stairs.
A new commercial kitchen would be built on the second floor, with the document noting the current kitchen facilities are small and “insufficient” for the standards of the Young’s chain.
An enclosed bin store would also be built behind timber fence and gates.
The plans were approved, with a decision notice on September 2022 stating the development must begin no later than three years of being granted permission.
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