“One of suburban London’s outstanding grand pubs.” That’s how Nikolaus Pevsner described The Queens in Crouch End. Today, we will explore the story behind this Grade II listed public house. The Queens stands proudly on the corner of Elder Avenue and Tottenham Lane.
The Queens wasn’t always just a pub. It began as The Queen’s Hotel. Architect and developer John C. Hill built it between 1898 and 1902. The Art Nouveau stained glass is by Cakebread Robey.
Imagine this corner in the early 1900s. Hill had just completed Broadway Parade. The Queen’s Hotel stood at its northern end a beacon of grand suburban design. Pevsner clearly thought so too.
Diagonally opposite The Queens was another entertainment venue. It was the Queen’s Opera House in Topsfield Parade. Sadly, it was not meant to last. Bombing during the Second World War damaged it. It was eventually demolished.
But The Queens survived. It has witnessed countless changes over the decades. It even made a cameo in a British gangster film. In Love, Honour and Obey the characters sing karaoke at The Queens.
Let’s step inside The Queens for a moment. Picture the original features. Imagine the Art Nouveau stained glass catching the light. The pub has been a local landmark for over a century. It has seen world wars, cultural shifts and countless pints poured.
Think about the craftsmanship that went into building The Queens. Consider the vision of John C. Hill. Envision the hotel as a bustling hub of activity. It was more than just a place to drink. It was a community gathering place.
The Express and Star reminds us of major events that occurred during The Queen’s lifetime. The General Strike happened in 1926. The BBC began broadcasts in 1927. All women over 21 got the vote in 1928. These events shaped the world around The Queens.
The pub has been lovingly restored. It retains many original features. This ensures that its history lives on. The Queens continues to foster an authentic community atmosphere.
The Queens is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living piece of London’s history. It’s a place where memories have been made. It stands as a testament to enduring design and community spirit. Next time you are in Crouch End be sure to stop by The Queens. Take a moment to appreciate its history and its beauty. You will be stepping into a piece of London’s past that is still very much alive today.