Builders are at hard at work preparing for the reopening of a historic pub - with its new operators hoping for a spring reopening.

The Duke of St Albans is being refurbished after pub operator Grace Land signed contracts with the building's owners, Fruition properties, after being granted a licence on January 18.

Andreas Akerlund, who co-owns Grace Land with business partner Anselm Chatwin, has projected the end of March for its grand opening.

"Perfect for the Heath," he said today (February 1). "It feels like summer today."

The pub, on the corner of Swain's Lane and Highgate Road, originally traded from around 1859 until 2008 before becoming first the Carob Tree Greek restaurant and then Swains Wine Bar and Store.

It has a prime position and will be the first pub people see as they come off Hampstead Heath.

This Is Local London: Andreas Akerlund, co-owner of the soon-to-be reopened Duke of St Albans, say it's great to be so near the Hampstead Heath, where he often walks his dogsAndreas Akerlund, co-owner of the soon-to-be reopened Duke of St Albans, say it's great to be so near the Hampstead Heath, where he often walks his dogs (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

"It's great," said Andreas, who describes himself as a "regular" on the Heath with his two dogs, a Portuguese water dog and a Labradoodle.

He said: "Firstly it's a community pub for local people but if there are people coming off the heath from elsewhere, then it is a destination.

"This will be a dog-friendly pub, there are a lot of dogs around here."

The pub will sell beers, ales, wine, cocktails and a food menu in common with Grace Land's other seven pubs.

This Is Local London: What will this old wine store become in the Duke of St Albans? Find out when the pub opens in springWhat will this old wine store become in the Duke of St Albans? Find out when the pub opens in spring (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

Andreas and Anselm have worked together for 15 years and their other pubs include The Earl of Essex in Angel, the Kings Arms in Bethnal Green and The Axe in Stoke Newington.

Andreas told the Ham&High that work is expected to take six weeks, then he and Anselm will take another two weeks to "get everything in order".

This Is Local London: The Duke of St Albans traded as a pub from 1859 until 2008 and now it's coming back with Graceland having signed the contractThe Duke of St Albans traded as a pub from 1859 until 2008 and now it's coming back with Graceland having signed the contract (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

He added: "The fabric of the building is quite good, so it's more about decoration. We'll change the bar as it was built with seats around it, so we'll reduce that.  It looks like a lot of demolition because there's a lot coming out but it's not really."

A "long and narrow" room away from the main bar, once used as Swains wine store, may now have tables and chairs.

The pub has its own terrace and there is also a large pavement outside that could hold tables and chairs.

He said: "That would require another licence but we're considering it, it would be nice."

Fruition Properties said on its website: "The return of the Duke of St Albans, marks not only the revival of a historic pub but also a celebration of community spirit and successful partnership between developers and locals."