The Mother Red Cap in Archway has stood empty since the day after St Patrick’s Day 2024 when the publican retired.
It has since been boarded up and daubed with graffiti, and was the subject of a campaign by Labour councillor James Potts to bring it back to life.
Posting on X last week he wrote: “Looks like the grey barriers have been removed from the Mother Red Cap on Holloway Road. I’ll be asking for an update on what is happening and will let residents know when I hear back.
“Let’s hope this means the pub will reopen soon!”
In a Facebook post on the Islington Community Group last week members were sharing news that the pub would reopen within weeks.
One wrote: “Some good news, it looks like The Mother Red Cap in Archway is getting ready to reopen, not sure of exact dates but today they are removing the metal plates covering the window.”
One replied: “That’s amazing news.” While a third added: “I hope it stays a pub.” With another adding: “Hopefully the exactly the same. No silly refurb job.”
In an Instagram post in January neighbouring pub The Archway Tavern said they had been in touch with the pub owners who confirmed The Mother Red Cap would “definitely return as a pub. They said that they were renovating the place and it would be back this year.”
The pub dates back to at least 1871 and is thought to have been named after female brewers – known as ale wives – who wore red caps.
It was known as a traditional pub with a pool table, televised sports a U-shaped bar and distinctive original tiles in the entrance hall.
Launching his campaign last summer, Cllr Potts said he was trying to contact the brewery who owned it.
He said at the time: “I walk past it every day on my way to the Tube. I’ve visited it many times in the decade I’ve lived here. The interior is beautiful – it still has the original tiling on the walls.
“I’m really keen to get it back open. I’m of Irish descent, and we have a strong Irish community in Archway. Local pubs are central to our culture and identity – they are important community spaces.”
