We are delighted to learn that The Cross Keys is to reopen as a Public House.
HISTORIC 300 YEAR OLD CHELSEA PUB TO REOPEN
Colliers International has completed the sale of Chelsea’s oldest pub, the Cross Keys, on behalf of the private owner to Parsons Green Land for £3.9m.
The Cross Keys pub opened in 1708 and previous patrons include Bob Marley, Agatha Christie and Dylan Thomas. In recent years the upstairs function room has hosted the engagement parties of the Duchess of Cambridge’s set and fundraisers for the Guardsmen of the Household Division.
Alex Hill, Associate Director at Colliers International who handled the sale, said, “The Cross Keys has been a valued community asset for more than 300 years. There were many fears by neighbouring residents that it would not resume trading after it closed last year and the property was put up for sale for redevelopment on an unconditional basis. However, the new owners have plans to completely refurbish and reinstate it as a public house, in addition to conversion of the upper floors for residential use.”
The pub made headlines last year after 17 squatters took occupation at the property and were exempt from eviction by a new law protecting squatters within commercial buildings.
Mark Blunden, news reporter
London Evening Standard
We are not the only ones who are delighted.
“It is great news that the historic Cross Keys pub is to be reopened and has not gone the way of so many of our valued community pubs – which once closed are often lost forever. Pubs are an essential part of Britain’s cultural heritage and it is clear from the support of the surrounding community how important it is the Cross Keys remains a pub in the future.” Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive.
