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The Bull and Gate in Kentish Town has been given permission to reopen, only now it's a gastro pub.
As a music venue, it had an extremely rich history, previously having the likes of Blur and Coldplay passing through it's doors. Many will have great memories of witnessing the "next big thing" in an intimate setting before they blew. But 18 months ago it closed after the owners stated that the future of the venue was uncertain.
“We’re thrilled that planning permission was approved by an overwhelming majority,” says Patrick Dardis director of Young’s who are taking over the venue. “The council committee recognised that it is clear that Young’s proposals will much enhance the venue, retaining and enhancing original features, bringing this historic, community pub back to life.”
Watch footage of Coldplay's 1999 Bull and Gate show below
“The existing bar will remain, as will all the original features, including the wall, ceiling features and décor” says Dardis. “The over bar, the bit that holds glasses directly above the bar, is from the 1970s (or even 80s) and will go. Don’t confuse that with the back bar, which is original and will stay."
“Elsewhere the plan is just to decorate existing features. The current loos will become additional bar space, with all important features retained. A new ladies’ is moving to existing office space that was behind the bar, where no historical or important features exist.
“The main works will be refurbishing the virtually derelict back room: that was the music venue and any features that may have existed were removed many years ago. It’s in a shocking state, dirty and dark. This will be an extension of the pub, serving British food.
“The gents is moving upstairs into what was originally one room, with good features that many years ago were knocked about and turned into two separate living rooms. We are merely turning it back into one room – and retaining every bit of anything that is of interest or original.”
