Scaffolding wrapped around The Constitution

AS building work gets under way on a much-loved pub, the new owners have been urged to preserve the community character of the business – and avoid becoming somewhere that “just does craft beer”.

The scaffolding has gone up and builders are now at work on the site of The Constitution pub in St Pancras Way, Camden Town, which has been shut since it was closed abruptly in 2020. The Constitution is owned by the pub chain Young’s, who last year were granted planning permission to renovate the building.

In a planning application submitted to the Town Hall, Young’s said the pub has fallen into “disrepair” after falling “subject to squatters and vandalism”.

According to plans submitted to the council last year, the pub chain will knock down the extension at the back of the pub and replace it with “a structure”.

Builders will also refit the kitchen, and create an accessible customer toilet. The pub, which was known for its live music and comedy in the basement, has also been granted a new licence that permits live music until 11pm.

Marie Phillips, who worked at the pub from 1985 until it closed, said: “It’ll be definitely different, but they should keep it as similar as possible to the way it was. “I’m happy it’s going to be renovated and it’s not going to be knocked down, that it’s going to open as a pub, and they have a live music licence as well.”

Ms Phillips said that when the pub re-opens, “I’ll definitely go and see what it’s like. It would be my local because I’m only five minutes around the corner. It just depends on what it’s going to be like.”

She added she hopes it continues to feel like “a local pub” that serves the community.

“There isn’t many local pubs around anymore. Lots of places just do craft beer,” Ms Phillips said. “I’m sure [the regulars] will come back in and see what it’s going to be like – I suppose it depends on prices. “A lot of the regulars live in the area, but since the pub closed they don’t meet up as often as they used to. The whole area has changed, really and surely.

” Young’s said this week in a statement: “Unfortunately the work is extensive but we hope to re-open in early 2024.”

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