There had been fears The Woodman would join a long list of recent permanent pub closures in the borough

An historic pub which closed its doors two weeks ago will reopen next year after being purchased by a pub group known for restoring old buildings.

Heartwood Collection announced today (Tuesday 30th) that it had acquired The Woodman in Bourne Hill, which is near Grovelands Park on the border between Palmers Green and Southgate.

Previous owners Marstons plc sold The Woodman after listing it for sale earlier this year, before it shut down two weeks ago. While there were fears it could be added to a long list of permanent local pub closures, Heartwood confirmed today that it will undergo an “extensive multimillion-pound refurbishment” before reopening in summer 2025.

Originally two adjoining cottages built in 1727, the pub first started serving guests under the watchful eye of retired police officer Henry Wale in 1868. The pub is reputed to have one of the smallest bars in England.

Heartwood’s refurbishment will preserve the listed building’s “quaint features” while “infusing it with Heartwood’s signature cosy, quirky style” where guests will be able to enjoy “seasonally changing, ethically sourced menus” in line with its three-star Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) rating.

Richard Ferrier, CEO of Heartwood Collection, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to acquire this charming pub which has clearly been central to and much loved by the local community for so long. We have been looking at The Woodman for a number of years and feel it will make an outstanding Heartwood Inn.”

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