Clifton, St John's Wood

Originally a hunting lodge, on the Eyre estate. Built in 1846 the merchant owner later obtained an ale licence and it became a pub. Apparently used by Edward VII to meet Lilly Langtry, it reportedly changed its name to "hotel" as royalty could not visit "pubs". At the end of 2013 owners Convivial Pubco sold this historic pub to a developer and it closed overnight. Local residents and CAMRA continued to resist change of use applications and that campaign paid dividends with the pub's reopening in May 2017. Two changing cask beers on handpump and a range of keg beers including Camden Town and Fourpure. The interior has changed due to the fact that the fixtures and fittings had been stripped out and the original entrance doorway is now blocked off to provide access to the upper storeys. Pleasant open-plan, with the main bar area displaying the old pub sign (one of the few things saved), a sunken conservatory, outside seating in front, good wine list.