Borough’s famous Gladstone Arms is to be brought back to life by three best friends after closing its doors last year.
It has been a bumpy road for the 130-year-old Lant Street boozer which was almost knocked down when the owner attempted to have it demolished and turned into a ten-storey block of flats two years ago.
The council rejected the proposals after receiving hundreds of letters of objections and the pub was given asset of community value status, but sadly higher rent prices saw the landlords permanently close their doors after a final hurrah in October.
Well-known for its live music and dancing, the popular watering hole will be revived as the Pegz and Frazes this spring thanks to three entrepreneurs.
Megha Khanna, 30, Gaurav Khanna, 25, and Abhinav Saxena, 32, say they are committed to keeping the integrity of The Glad, while also adding their own twist.
Throughout failed relationships, job layoffs, hard days, trials, and tribulations, the three best friends cheered each other up with shots (or pegz) of alcohol and phrases (or “frazes”) of reassurance in setting up their dream venture – and so the concept was born.
“We wanted to create a brand that provides people with a unique service, to preserve the heritage of London pubs and promote the local breweries,” Megha explained.
“We also wanted to create a place where guests can experience a winning combination of great drinks, live music and buzzing atmosphere.”
With over ten years’ experience in the hospitality sector, the founders want to recreate the space where friends can kick back, relax and share a tipple in a comfortable and cosy environment.
The pub will be teaming up with breweries in the area to serve the best of British lager, real ale and craft beers.
Exotic cocktails infused with local ingredients and globally inspired flavours will also be on offer.