From riot damage and dereliction to fires, squats and abandoned buildings, these London pubs were all written off — before making unlikely comebacks.
10 London Pubs That Came Back From the Dead
London has lost hundreds of pubs over the years.
Some were demolished. Others were abandoned, boarded up or left to decay behind broken windows and graffiti-covered walls.
But not every pub stays dead forever.
A new feature from London historian and author Paul Talling highlights ten London pubs that somehow managed to survive closure, neglect and uncertainty before returning to life once again.
From old Victorian boozers and estate pubs to legendary music venues and Irish drinking dens, each one has its own story of collapse and revival.
Prince of Peckham – Peckham
Once known as The Clayton Arms, this Peckham pub dates back to at least 1867. It suffered major damage during the 2011 London riots after being ransacked by looters before eventually closing down in 2013.
After several failed relaunches, businessman Clement Ogbonna transformed the venue into the hugely successful Prince of Peckham.
Today it has become one of South London’s best-known modern pubs and was recently named among Time Out’s best pubs in London.
Greyhound – Sydenham
The Greyhound has existed in some form since at least 1730 and once served workers and travellers using the Croydon Canal.
After closure plans and a devastating fire, much of the historic building was demolished without permission in 2012, leading to fines and outrage.
The pub was eventually rebuilt and reopened in 2018.
Cafe Koko – Camden
Originally the Hope & Anchor, this Camden pub once stood beside the famous Koko music venue and had links to bands including Madness and Radiohead.
Known for its rough edges and abrasive atmosphere in later years, the pub closed in 2013 before eventually reopening as the more polished Cafe Koko in 2022.
Jolly Sailor – South Norwood
The Jolly Sailor first opened in 1810 beside the Croydon Canal and even gave its name to South Norwood’s original railway station.
Following closure in 2019, uncertainty surrounded its future before the pub eventually reopened in 2023.
Knight of Notting Hill – Ladbroke Grove
Formerly the Kensington Park Hotel, this historic pub became famous for its Irish roots, live music history and celebrity regulars including members of Thin Lizzy and The Clash.
After years of uncertainty and repeated closures, the venue returned in 2023 under a new name — the Knight of Notting Hill.
Lord Napier Star – Hackney Wick
One of Hackney Wick’s most recognisable buildings, the Lord Napier spent years abandoned and covered in graffiti after closing in 1995.
The building became known for squat parties and underground rave culture before finally reopening as the Lord Napier Star in 2021.
Copper Tap – Peckham
The Red Cow in Peckham had roots stretching back more than 200 years before its original Victorian building was demolished in the 1960s.
The replacement estate pub closed in 2015 but quickly reopened a year later as the Copper Tap following refurbishment.
Star of the East – Limehouse
Built in the 1840s, the Star of the East was once home to bizarre attractions including a supposed 2,000-year-old Peruvian mummy displayed by former landlords.
After years struggling for trade, the pub eventually reopened following renovation as a modern gastro pub.
Well & Bucket – Bethnal Green
This East End pub dates back to the early 19th century and later became a famous punk and metal venue known as the Stick of Rock.
Following closure in the 1990s and later use as a leather wholesalers, the building returned to pub life in 2013.
The Tipperary – Fleet Street
Claiming to be London’s oldest Irish pub, The Tipperary has long been associated with journalists, lawyers and Fleet Street drinkers.
The pub closed during the pandemic, reopened briefly in 2024 and is now expected to reopen once again in 2027.
Why These Stories Matter
Across Britain, pub closures continue to reshape communities.
But stories like these show that even pubs left abandoned for years can still find a second life when local support, investment and history combine.
For many Londoners, these pubs are more than just places to drink — they are landmarks, memories and pieces of the city’s identity.
Conclusion
From riot-hit locals and abandoned estate pubs to Victorian taverns saved from demolition, these revived pubs prove that sometimes a pub’s final chapter has not yet been written.
