A JD Wetherspoon pub that had been put on the market is no longer for sale.
The pub chain confirmed today (March 21) that The Rochester Castle in Stoke Newington High Street would continue to be run as a Wetherspoon outlet.
It comes after regulars at the popular boozer criticised a planned sale as "devastating" when it was revealed at the start of this year, and raised fears that the pub could be turned into luxury flats.
Justin Farrington, who has been drinking at the Rochester for more than 30 years, told the Hackney Gazette that the pub feels like “a real community hub”.
He said: “It’s the only place around here really that anyone can afford to go to because everywhere else you’re paying about six quid a pint.
“You’ve got all kinds of people in there from students to old guys propping up the bar.”
But the pub, which is the oldest standing Wetherspoon in the country, will now continue as the “proper local” so loved by people in Stoke Newington.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that The Rochester Castle in Stoke Newington is no longer for sale.
“It will continue to run as a Wetherspoon pub. We are sure that this news will be welcomed by the pub’s staff and customers.”
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