THE Torriano pub in Kentish Town has closed – and will reopen over the summer with a new owner and a new name.

The pub, in Torriano Avenue, was famous for its downstairs bar where the likes of Pete Doherty would often appear to play secret gigs. 

Run by Dean Guberani and Susie Martin, the Torriano was under threat for nearly 10 years after developers bought the freehold and wanted to convert the building into flats. The couple won their fight – following a campaign that garnered hundreds of supporters – and secured the future of a pub that has a history stretching back into Victorian times. 

Mr Guberani, who took over the pub in Torriano Avenue with Ms Martin from 2001, told the New Journal they had decided to move on. He said: “It had been a quite stressful period because of the threat of the pub being closed and redeveloped. Finally, we found ourselves in the situation to buy the freehold, but then discovered we would not be given a mortgage.”

He added he would miss the atmosphere, the people and the good times of running one of the area’s most popular pubs. Mr Guberani added: “It is an end of an era but the new people are really good guys and will do a very good job.”

Mr Doherty was among the star names who raised the plight of the pub five years ago, and played a special secret gig there in support.

The new owners, Carouse London, plan to change the pub's name back to the 'The Rose and Crown' – its original moniker. Partner Ben Caudell told the New Journal they felt Kentish Town was the ideal area for what they have planned. 

He said: “It is a lovely pub and is exactly what we were looking for.”

The fact it is a free house was a selling point, he added – meaning Mr Caudell and his partners can serve the beers they want and are not tied into a deal with a brewery. 

Mr Caudell added: “We will be selling locally sourced craft beers and ales and also plan to get permission for a kitchen so we can have food, too.”

The pub is currently being refitted and the owners say it should reopen in the middle of July.