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By CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
 

Publicans Richard Wooderson with his mother Mary outside the Duke of Hamilton
Publicans' 'desert' fear as late opening blocked

'Loss of atmosphere' blamed on rich incomers' search for peace

PUBLICANS have warned that Hampstead bars, some nearly 300 years old, could close unless they are allowed to stay open later.
Michael Wooderson, who has run the Duke of Hamilton in New End with his family for 16 years, is thinking of selling up, possibly to a restaurant chain. The pub was established in 1721.
Mr Wooderson’s son, Richard, 31, claimed it is becoming impossible for Hampstead pubs to compete with areas such as Upper Street in Islington, which can offer late-night drinking.
Landlord Chris Ely, of Ye Olde White Bear in Well Road, blamed recent incomers for trying to turn Hampstead into a “desert”.
He said: “Twenty-five years ago, the wealthy people in Hampstead contributed to the community, but the people moving in in the last five years – bankers and lawyers – go to work, come home and close their doors.”
Mr Ely added: “There are some who want Hampstead to be a really quiet neighbourhood, but historically it’s never been like that.” And he warned: “It will become a desert like Hampstead Garden Suburb.”
Nicolai Outzen, manager of the Holly Bush in Holly Mount, where the pub building dates back to the 17th century, thinks Hampstead has “lost its atmosphere”.
He said: “I don’t know if a late bar would make any difference. The high street doesn’t have any unique and quality shops any more. Hampstead has lost what it is known for.”
Paul Davies, co-owner of the Sir Richard Steele pub in Haverstock Hill, claims new licensing legislation is killing the pub trade. Mr Davies, one of two Hampstead representatives on a publicans’ committee which meets the police, said: “The days of having a pub and making a fortune are long gone. The council have taken all the fun out of it.”
There are currently three boarded-up pubs in Heath Street – Bedlam, Heath Bar and Room 68, which closed following pressure from neighbours opposed to a late licence. Gertie Brownes, the old Coach and Horses pub in Heath Street, is also on the market.
But one successful publican, Jasper Cuppaidge, formerly of The Cow in Westbourne Park, west London, is moving into the area, having bought The Three Horseshoes in Heath Street. He “loves the village” and believes “there’s a real lack of good independent pubs in the area”.
He plans to brew his own beer downstairs and employ a Michelin star chef. Mr Cuppaidge has suggested that residents and publicans sit down together, so that “Hampstead prospers rather than falls apart”.
Tony Hillier, who chairs the Heath and Hampstead Society, the pressure group acknowledged as largely responsible for fighting late licence applications, has defended its actions.
He said: “It’s supply and demand – if people want to go to pubs the pubs will be there. If people want a late drink they can go to other areas.
“There’s no way the majority of pubs will become gastro. That is nonsensical.”
 
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