A pub on the edge of Hampstead Heath says its long-awaited reopening will happen very soon - but with no fanfare.

The Duke of St Albans, on the corner of Highgate Road and Swain's Lane, will open "quietly" before mid-April.

The sign - with a return to the pub's original name - is finally above the door after operator Grace Land signed contracts with the building's owner, Fruition Properties.

The Duke of St Albans was granted a licence so it could trade as a pub again on January 18, after some years as a restaurant.

Andreas Akerlund, who co-owns Grace Land with business partner Anselm Chatwin, said: "We don't have a date yet but we are hoping it will be next week.

"We are almost there getting the kitchen into shape."

This Is Local London: A traditional pub in all senses - the family and dog friendly Duke of St Albans will open 'quietly' this April A traditional pub in all senses - the family and dog friendly Duke of St Albans will open 'quietly' this April (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

Mr Akerlund said they would open the pub "very slowly, when it's quieter" so they can test all the systems before it gets busy.

The pub originally traded as the Duke of St Albans 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 in that area.

Grace Land already runs The Earl of Essex pub in Islington and The Axe in Stoke Newington.

"We're not trying to reinvent the wheel here," Mr Akerlund added. "We're opening a pub in the traditional sense with great food and Sunday roasts and everyone's welcome."