1720s pub nearly runs out of beer after reopening

A north London pub dating back to the 1720s has reopened after being saved by three former regulars who all live within a five-minute walk.

The Black Horse in Barnet closed suddenly last September. Simon Anderson, Martin Taylor and Danny Daly secured the lease from Heineken-owned Star Pubs and reopened the former coaching inn. A petition to save it attracted 4,000 signatures.

The pub nearly ran out of beer on its third weekend back. Martin Taylor, director of Barnet Community Pubs, said: "People thought they would lose this pub and to be fair they have been getting back and supporting it. I can't thank them enough."

The three directors had just over two weeks to turn a building site into a working pub, relying on local friends and connections to do most of the work.

Anderson said pubs are "more than just businesses" and are "intrinsic to what it means for a lot of British society".

Gilbert