Over the past few years the pub has stood empty. The ground level was painted a sombre black when the pub was being renovated in preparation to be reopened a few years ago. But work ceased. However the upper floors are available to hire as a nightclub venue accessed by a staircase at the rear.
March 2008 left and April 2017 |
Pedestrians have been getting all angsty as bus stops were moved and then moved again and motorists complained about not being able to navigate what used to be a roundabout. They are probably all still complaining now. And will continue to do so.
Approx 100 years ago |
I think the end result will be good for the area, not least of all for the shops and businesses in Archway Close that were as good as stranded on an island.
The building work is now almost complete and I have already made use of excellent pedestrian crossings from Archway Road, St John's Way and Holloway Road into the piazza and Archway tube station. My only concern is that the new cycle paths that cut through the zone may cause a few problems; the cyclists, not the cycle paths.
But, back to the tavern...
Look at the Millennium Guinness sign on the corner of the building and see how during the last nine years bits of it have fallen off.
Photos of the Guinness sign in 2008 and 2017. Available as a greeting card along with these other two also from the Archway Tavern. |
York Way, June 2008 |
Signs such as theses this become iconic local landmarks. Many have disappeared from our streets over the years including one that used to be on York Way opposite the end of Agar Grove – it had five happy Guinness pints under a clock.
An assessment of the sign here.
See also the Guinness collectors' site.
You describe "an ostrich (which has a pint glass stuck in its throat)". That's because "The Ostrich, travellers recall, enjoys his Guinness glass and all". Which is how the Guinness ostrich was depicted.
ReplyDeletePoor bird!
ReplyDeleteOuch!
Guinness need to be more involved with the upkeep of these old signs, don't you think? I must contact them
Hi, I've used your description of this clock on my instagram and cited your blog. Check it out and let me know if you're happy @lmolinca. Many thanks and congrats for this blog, very interesting!
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