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Picture source: T C

The Duchess Of Kent was situated at 72 Prebend Street. This pub closed in 2019.

This Islington local, formerly owned by the Wellington Pub Company, closed in March 2019. There were plans in 2018 to convert the upper floors to flats but nothing became of that. Now however an application has been made to Islington Council for a change of use for the ground and lower ground floors from public house (Sui Generis) to cafe and juice bar (Use Class E). The developers claim that they have not been able to let it as a pub so this is a practical alternative which will, as they told the Islington Tribune, “have a positive impact on the character and function of the area with reduced opening times and less propensity to cause noise or disturbance issues than a public house.” The more cynical among us might wonder whether it is more to do with Use Class E having Permitted Development Rights that would, after two years, enable them to carry out the conversion of the upper floors without needing planning permission. In the same newspaper, CAMRA North London branch’s Pubs Protection Officer, Joanne Scott, said, “Pubs create valued and meaningful connections, which reduce the risks of loneliness. Now more than ever we need to protect them, to help bring people together after such a difficult and isolating time. The Duchess of Kent is a beautiful pub, with original signage. It’s the kind of place that is disappearing across London. But with the right management it could be brought back. We would encourage Islington Council to reinforce their pub protection policy, to try to protect the Duchess of Kent for the local community.

London Drinker (August 2021 edition)

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