The Two Brewers is at risk of closure.
The pub, located on Roman Way, has served residents and Arsenal fans for 40-years. Plans are in motion to close the pub to enable flats to be built on the site.
A petition has been set up to oppose the proposals and stop the closure of a pub that is not just an Arsenal boozer, but also a key social outlet for many locals, including those in the sheltered housing across the road.
For many, The George died in 2018 when Peter and the team decided to close their doors.
In 2022, the pub reopened as “The Stag”. It was not The George of old and many of those people that made the pub great had found a new pub, but it quickly became our drinking hole as choice as one of the few places in the area that you can drink on the street.
The issue with The Stag is the new owners clearly thought they could make a quick buck off Arsenal fans. The pub was only half refurbished, the toilets still collapsing and it felt like a poor imitation of what it previously was.
This season the owners interest dwindled to nothing.
Screens had been put up but never turned on, and the pub would regularly run out of beer. It reminded me of The Bailey’s last days and the writing was clearly on the wall. So it came to no surprise when a picture was circulated on social media a week ago of the pub being boarded up.
It took 4-years for it to return last time, and I would be very surprised if The George ever re-opens. Expect a new block of flats to be on the site in the next few years.
The pub landscape on Holloway Road has seen lots of changes in recent years.
The Herbert Chapman closed down, and has now reopened as the Islington Sports Bar and Grill. Likewise the Phibbers has now become the Victoria. The Wig and Gown is now the House Of Hammerton.
The Bailey became a chicken shop. That chicken shop has now become a Brazilian restaurant. The Metro near Holloway Road station is closed and has not returned. As has Ark Star.
If The George does not return, and we lose the Two Brewers, it will be two less places to drink before games. Sign the petition even if you do not drink in the pub. It could be your drinking establishment next!
Keenos