A popular pub has changed its name - swapping an Edwardian Queen for a local hero immortalised by the area's much-loved clock tower.

Named after the Danish wife of Edward VII, The Princess Alexandra closed in January - according to the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) because the owners were 'fed up working 80 hours a week for not much money.'

Now the Park Road pub has been reborn as The Good Reader, inspired by Sir Henry Reader Williams, whose good works are commemorated by Crouch End's clock tower.

Built in 1895, a quarter of the £1,200 cost of the Grade II-listed tower was raised by public subscription 'in appreciation and recognition' of Sir Henry's public services'.

Frank Gilbert - who was also responsible for Eros in Piccadilly Circus - sculpted a bronze portrait of the former chairman of the Hornsey local authority, who campaigned against developers to preserve Highgate Wood and Queen's Wood, and paved the way for the purchase of Alexandra Palace and Park by local authorities.

The self-made man and wine importer also donated money to the 'ragged' schools for Victorian street children.

On the pub's website, new owners Joe Curtis and Victoria Grove pay tribute to Sir Henry and refer to the pub's change of paintwork from grey to green.

They write: "He cared deeply about upward social mobility, which as we know is an issue still to this day. He was a good man. We get to continually enjoy parts of Alexandra Park, Highgate Wood, Queens Wood and most locally Priory Park through the selfless work he put in.

"He was a socially progressive man, a community-driven man. Quite simply, he was a good man, so in the very spirit of Sir Henry Reader Williams, we give you, ‘The Good Reader’ in all its green glory."

The new landlords have also swapped sports TV, pool and darts for cask ales and a gastropub menu including ham hock terrine and moules marinere, gnocchi, delica squash with sage butter, confit duck leg with puy lentils, and roast hake and white beans.

The original pub dates back to 1896, but was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1952. In 2008 it changed its name to Villiers Terrace, before being renamed in 2014 as the Alex and returning to its original name in 2018.

The Good Reader is at 120 Park Road, Crouch End, N8.