Kilburn pub Priory Tavern closes as it seeks landlord

A note on the website of The Priory Tavern in Belsize Road says it is changing ownership.

The notice reads: "The Priory Tavern is currently changing ownership and will be closed until further notice."

The pub takes its name from a long lost priory that once occupied the site and has links to 1984 author George Orwell who lived nearby in the 1940s and is thought to have drunk there. (Image: The Priory Tavern)

One posting on the London pubs Facebook page said it was closed when he visited in late August and again in early September adding: "It’s one of my favourites but...it’s a bit of a trip for me so I’m not sure I’ll go back."

Another added: "This seems rather sudden and gloomy."

The pub is owned by Stonegate who are advertising the tenancy as a "New to the Market - Investment Opportunity in Kilburn!"

George Orwell lived in nearby Mortimer Crescent during the 1940s while writing his masterpiece Animal Farm. (Image: Wikimedia)

The chain adds that the pub has an "attractive open-plan trading layout that caters equally well to both wet-led and food-led business".

"Featuring hardwood flooring throughout and comfortable lounge-style seating, the pub provides a relaxed and welcoming environment that encourages customers to stay longer and return regularly.

"The business benefits from established community appeal, with live sports, a pool table, games and a popular brunch offering. Externally, the pub benefits from additional outdoor seating to the side of the property for approximately 20 customers."

The Priory Tavern was taken over in summer 2023 by a duo of landlords including chef Glyn Bell.

Over the years he and his business partners built a reputation as an unfussy neighbourhood boozer with a dart board, music, quiz nights and Sunday roasts.

Last August they put on a special George Orwell menu and Mr Bell told the Ham&High: "The industry is tough at the moment.

"It's not enough just to have a great pub any more - but we believe a pub should be for everyone, and at the centre of the community."

But a note on the CAMRA website said the Priory Tavern had changed hands to a new operator by May this year - now it seems it is once again seeking a new landlord.

The Victorian tavern takes its name from 11th century Kilburn Priory which was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536 and stands near its former site at the corner of Kilburn High Road and Belsize Road.

1984 author Orwell lived with his wife Eileen from 1942-1944 at nearby Mortimer Crescent. By day he worked at the BBC and in his spare time he wrote his classic novel Animal Farm.

The keen beer drinker is thought to have supped the odd pint at The Priory Tavern although the Orwells had to move when a V1 flying bomb struck Mortimer Crescent in June 1944.

Orwell had to return to the half destroyed basement flat with a shovel to dig out his precious books - and the only manuscript of his yet to be published masterpiece.