A historic Stoke Newington pub, rumoured to be a favourite of the notorious Kray twins, has been sold in an off-market auction.
Last week, Colin Butcher and Anna Bröjer bought the much-loved tavern, The Londesborough, from previous owners Patrick and Gregory Wright, who had run it for 17 years.
Built in 1864 on the corner of Londesborough Road and Barbauld Road, The Londesborough quickly became a community hotspot and, in 1879, was one of four Stoke Newington public houses to secure a billiards licence. This transformed it into a meeting place for many so-called friendly societies – groups of like-minded individuals, usually secular and invariably male, who wanted to debate contemporary issues away from the watchful gaze of religious institutions.
In the early 1960s, The Londesborough was one of several Stoke Newington watering holes reportedly frequented by crime duo, the Kray twins.
But it’s worth noting the Krays have been tied to most pubs in the Hackney area. Amir Dotan, a local historian, is suspicious of this trend: “Over the years I’ve heard and read comments in relation [to the Krays] and many pubs in Stoke Newington,” he said.
“I recently asked a fellow local history enthusiast, who’s lived all her life in Stoke Newington,” he added. “She said the only local pub the Krays visited was The Coach and Horses, at 178 Stoke Newington High Street.”
But under the Wright brothers’ careful stewardship, The Londesborough has shed its perhaps shadowy past. These days, it’s a popular gastro pub and a successful wedding venue – though its calling card remains its Sunday Roast.
New owners Butcher and Bröjer already operate The Blue Posts pub in Soho, which Time Out Magazine has described as a “fun and friendly old-school boozer”, complete with craft beer, stand-up comedy, and jazz and blues nights.
The Londesborough’s general manager, Mark, said he was excited to work with new ownership. “It’s a positive step for the future. They have extensive experience in hospitality, and we look forward to keeping what everybody loves about The Londesborough.”
He added: “It’s just the place to be!”
