Ann Monaghan says goodbye to the Elephants Head

IT was January 1980 when Ann Monaghan left the Old Plough in Kilburn and headed to Camden Town to take on the Elephants Head.

Now, 43 years later, she rang the bell for the last time this week: she and her brother, Vince Heavey, have sold up.

On Sunday, they hosted a farewell party – which included a free bar all night – and it was an emotional send off, Mr Heavey told the New Journal.

He said: “It really came home to us. Everyone was sobbing their eyes out. The place was full of love and respect and it was extremely touching. I was thankfully able to assure everyone the new owner plans to leave the Head just the way it is.”

From their vantage point on the corner of the High Street, Ann and Vince have watched Camden evolve for more than four decades.

Mr Heavey said: “It was a very run down at the time. The Gents was outside – you had to go out in the street and round the back to get to it. When Ann came here, there were a few stalls run by individual traders. They’d just turn up and sell their stuff. It wasn’t corporate in any way.

“When the markets began to expand, that was when Camden began to change. The market grew into the huge enterprise it is today and it has changed the face of the area, for better or for worse. “Another major change is the demise of the Irish community. Over the years, many Irish people who lived here have moved out to the suburbs. That is noticeable. Camden Town was an Irish town.”

And the rise of the hospitality industry is another clear difference.

Staff at the Elephants Head

Mr Heavey said: “The huge number of new restaurants and cafes always strikes me as being remarkable.”

The pub would become a go-to for people wanting to experience a slice of genuine Camden Town life, and is the haunt of many a famous face, from the presenters at the TV AM and now MTV studios opposite to a plethora of musicians, who would come in after performing elsewhere. Ann has the secret to running a good pub, says Mr Heavey.

He said: “My sister is so friendly, so nice with people and very calm. those are the attributes you need.”

Ann managed the pub with her partner, John Nolan, until he passed way 11 years ago. John’s influence on the Head remains today, a legacy Ann and Vince have protected.

Mr Heavey said: “John brought the live music into the bar. He created a genuine institution. He brought in the rock and roll – and with it came 100s of rock and rollers. He had live music and then DJs playing the ska and Northern Soul. It really became known for great music.”

For Mr Heavey, part of their secret is attention to detail.

He said: “For over a decade, seven nights a week, I have stood on the door and greeted everyone who has stepped inside. I like to welcome people and make sure they feel happy, comfortable and secure.

“I always say goodbye as well at the end of the night and make sure everyone can get home safely. When people see the owner on the ground seven nights a week, it makes an impression. They put their hand out and shake mine and say thank you for having us. “That makes the job worthwhile for me.”

The brother and sister team grew up in County Kildare and while Ann plans to stay in London, Vince is heading back over the Irish Sea.

Mr Heavey says he won’t miss a nightly shift that ends each day at 3.30am – although he will take some time getting used to earlier bed times.

He added: “I am heading back to Ireland and when I get there, I have 11 beautiful grandchildren. When I get there, I am going to get a new dog – and call it Camden.”