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Ye Olde Swiss Cottage closes

After almost two centuries of trading, Ye Olde Swiss Cottage in north London poured its final pint on Saturday as concerns are raised about how operator Samuel Smith’s ran the pub.

To give some idea of Ye Olde Swiss Cottage’s longevity, it gave its name to the nearby underground station, rather than vice versa.

Built in the style of a Swiss chalet in the 1830s, the pub’s incongruous appearance has made it one of the best-known boozers in London.

It was temporarily closed in January 2024 while new beer pipes were fitted.

However, owner Samuel Smith’s has now taken the decision to permanently close the historic pub, with last orders called on Saturday, though a precise reason for the closure has not yet been provided.

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It has since been reported that lamp posts near the pub have been removed, though the exact reason for this is also yet to be revealed.

Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), suggested that blame for the closure of the historic pub lies with its operator.

“We are increasingly concerned by how the Samuel Smith’s pub estate is being run. Our data suggests there are over a hundred Samuel Smith’s pubs and clubs that have now shut; roughly half their total estate and a far higher rate than any similar chain,” said Corbett-Collins. “This suggests to us that factors beyond the difficulties facing the whole of the pub trade may be at play.”

“The loyal punters that go to Samuel Smith’s pubs deserve to know why Ye Old Swiss Cottage and scores before them have been shuttered. Unfortunately, Ye Old Swiss Cottage is not listed or an Asset of Community Value, which could affect any attempts to save it. It’s vital that Sam Smith’s offer the current managers, or the local community, a chance to buy the pub if they are not going to reopen it,” he added.

the drinks business has reached out to Samuel Smith’s for comment on the matter.

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