The wait is over as the historic Duke of St Albans pub on the edge of Hampstead Heath has finally reopened.
The watering hole, on the corner of Highgate Road and Swain's Lane, in Highgate, opened its doors at midday today (Tuesday, April 9).
Billed as a 'muddy boots pub' for people coming off the Heath, it has reverted to its original name after mixed fortunes in its years as two restaurants.
The Ham&High had a sneak peek inside before word got round as staff put the finishing touches to the wooden bar, chefs prepped in the kitchen and tables and chairs were arranged outside.
The opening was low-key.
"Today is a small gentle day," said Anselm Chatwin, who co-owns the pub's operator Grace Land with business partner Andreas Akerlund. "It's been hard to get everything finished on time, it's a work in progress."
The reopened pub now employs 12 staff - including six in the kitchen - and will recruit more.
As well as an an extensive collection of spirits, it has a rotating lineup of 22 beers, including cask ales, and a wine list that will also change.
They also serve coffee and teas including fennel, ginger, green tea, Earl Grey and "builders".
A full menu will only be available at lunchtimes for the first week.
The greatest challenge, the pair said, was painting the outside of the building and avoiding the rain.
But they are pleased the building is back to its original use - and with its historic name.
"The most important thing was keeping the name of the pub," said Anselm. "We really want people to understand it is a pub with a look and feel of a pub.
"We could have called it the Red Lion or something but the Duke has history. It's great to be a part of that, and there's already a brilliant sign out there."
The father-of-four, who lives in Tufnell Park, grew up in Gospel Oak and went to Highgate School, said the Duke of St Albans would be very different from the other eight pubs and brewery they own - not least because of his own links to the area.
He said: "Our locals here are people who I know from a lot of local schools. It's usually all separate from my personal life."
Manager Anna Kaur, who previously worked at Grace Land's Earl of Essex pub in Islington, said: "We're excited, elated, a little bit nervous about how it will be received by everyone.
"We've done a great job to have something for everyone.
"This street needs a pub as there are so many shops and cafes, so hopefully we've done it justice."
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