The historic Palmers Green pub is set to reopen next year

There were fears The Woodman would join a long list of recent permanent pub closures in the borough

A historic pub which closed its doors two weeks ago will reopen next year after being bought by a pub group known for restoring old buildings.

Heartwood Collection announced today (Tuesday 30) that it has acquired The Woodman in Bourne Hill, which is next to Grovelands Park on the border between Palmers Green and Southgate.

Previous owners Marstons plc sold The Woodman after putting it up for sale earlier this year before it closed two weeks ago. While there were fears it could be added to a long list of permanent local pub closures, Heartwood today confirmed it will undergo an “extensive multi-million pound refurbishment” before reopening in the summer of 2025.

Originally two adjoining cottages built in 1727, the pub began serving guests under the watchful eye of retired police officer Henry Wale in 1868. The pub is reputed to have one of the smallest bars in England.

Heartwood’s renovation will preserve the listed building’s “picturesque features” while “infusing it with Heartwood’s cozy and quirky style,” where guests will be able to enjoy “seasonally changing, ethically sourced menus,” according to Three Star Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA). ) rating.

Richard Ferrier, CEO of Heartwood Collection, said: “We are delighted to have been able to acquire this charming pub which has clearly been central and much loved by the local community for so long. We have been looking at The Woodman for several years and feel it will be an outstanding Heartwood Inn.”

Independent news outlets like ours – which report for the community without wealthy backers – are under threat of closure, turning Britain’s cities into news deserts.

The public they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, annual or one-time donation.

Choose the news. Don’t miss the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 a month backers get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 a month backers get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted each month. Annual £50 backers get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else.

More information about our monthly or annual support

More information about donations