Site of former Black Cap pub to re-open as a new bar ‘for whole community’
The premises of a famous LGBT pub in London is to be turned into a new bar.
The London’s pub was built in 1889, and was one of London’s oldest continually operating LGBT venues, after it became popular with gay men in the 1960s.
However, the Black Cap pub closed its doors last April after a battle over a proposed redevelopment which lasted several months.
The plans for the future of the building have since be shrouded in mystery, with protests to ensure its future as a gay venue.
Now Ruth and Robinson has announced its plans to take over the venue.
In a statement today, the company said it aims to “create a unique, distinctive and vibrant drinking establishment which is welcoming to the whole community”.
A new front will be given to the venue, and the name ‘Hollenbeck’s’ is going to be displayed above the front door, reports the Camden New Journal.
The Black Cap had been awarded Asset of Community Value statues just weeks before closing down.
Last year, negotiations happened to re-open the bar as a branch of the popular Breakfast Club restaurant.
But the plans broke down amid protests to save the Black Cap from closure.
Ruth and Robinson set up a “Brooklyn-inspired” bar in Clerkenwell in 2014, and had said it planned to expand to other venues over a five-year period.
The paperwork filed at the Town Hall said: “Planning permission is sought to confirm the use of the building within Use Class A4 (drinking establishment). It is proposed that the site will be operated by Ruth and Robinson Ltd, an independent start-up business and will be run as a drinking establishment with occasional live music and acts.”
