History of the Annie
The Antwerp Arms became North London’s first Community Pub in 2015. A friendly real ale pub serving Tottenham since the 19th century.
From the Bruce Castle Archive records, we know the pub building is listed in Church Road on the 1851 Census, where the pub was named as the Hope and Anchor (reference: HO107/1702 f360, p30) with William Saunders as beer retailer.
In the 1861 Census, there seems to have been a name change, as by then it was known as the Antwerp Arms, (reference: RG9/794, f77, p20) with Charles Mason as Beer Maker and Beer Seller.
You’ll find The Antwerp Arms in an atmosphere-filled conservation area, overlooking Bruce Castle Park, with Tottenham’s only Grade 1 Listed building, Bruce Castle. It's close to our historic church and beautiful cemetery.
‘The Annie’ is the oldest working pub in N17, and a stone’s throw from White Hart Lane stadium, home to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Spurs fans have been regulars ever since 1882 when EL Sprylions, a bible teacher at nearby All Hallows Church, first set up THFC for grammar-school boys attending his classes.
Long-standing and much-loved landlords of The Antwerp Arms include the O’Brien family who owned the pub from 1896 into the 1940s, and Joan and John Walker who welcomed guests from the 60s to the 80s.
Taking advantage of 2011’s Localism Act, the Bruce Castle Village Association (BCVA) applied for the pub to be listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) when it was threatened with conversion to flats in 2013.
This led to the community buying the pub via shares and a Social Investment Business (SIB) Capital Assets grant in March 2015.
So raise your glasses to a new future for ‘The Annie’, She is a lovely old Pub that has served our community well for the past 170 years.
Timeline
Saving the Annie
Jan 2013 Enterprise Inns puts Antwerp Arms up for sale
July 2013 Public Meeting called by residents to save and bid for AA
Sept 2013 Asset of Community Value awarded to AA
Oct 2013 AA bought by Developer and put back on market
Dec 2013 AAA formed to submit Expression of Interest
Jan 2014 SIB award small grant to set up Cooperative
Mar 2014 Share Issue Launched at Camden Beer Festival
June 2014 AAA submit bid to SIB for capital grant
Oct 2014 £285,000 awarded by SIB to AAA
Nov 2014 AAA Offer accepted by developer
Jan 2015 Pledges drawn down
March 2015 Exchanged contracts
March 2015 Purcahse completed
April 2015 Move in
Our Family
The Annie has a diverse and multi-cultural team who are always at hand to help give you the best experience on your visit. We take pride in the service we offer, and want to ensure that you get to feel the full effect of it.
We may not all be related, but the Annie team share the same passion and drive, and are committed to exceeding customer expectations, with delivery of great food, drink & customer service
A friendly respite
Since it’s beginning, the Annie has focused on being a focal point of the community. Offering a homely atmosphere that the local community can call their own, but also welcoming new guests and visitors with open arms. The Annie is there for all, and the team is proud to carry that ethos.
