The Coronet on Holloway Road, which was run for many years by the Wetherspoons chain, was shut in February – it has now reopened under new management

THE new manager of the Coronet pub has promised to keep the community spirit of the revered boozer alive, as it opens its doors to the public once again – and pints are just a fiver.

Florin Bogdan was offered the keys to the grand Holloway Road haunt just three-and-a-half weeks ago, and told the Tribune it was an offer too good to turn down.

The famous pub, which was run for many years by the Wetherspoons chain, was shut in February.

“I’ve had my eyes on the space constantly after Wetherspoons sold it,” Mr Bogdan said.

“It was a very quick turnaround to jump in so quickly and bring it back to life. But this pub is an institution. People were born and raised here, they’ve brought their children here, some of them are now grandparents. It should never have been taken away from the community in the first place.”

When asked about the challenges facing pubs on the high street and the history of Coronet closures, Mr Bogdan said: “Of course it’s a risk. It’s a bit of a gamble. But I’m confident that the community feels the loss of this place and will be excited it has reopened. ”

The pub was packed when it suddenly reopened just in time for Arsenal’s friendly match against Como last week.

The Tribune reported in February that the pub was closing after bailiffs seized the property from previous manager Saeed Farsi, who had run the space for two-and-a-half years.

It was owned by JD Wetherspoon between 1999 and 2023 before closing, when the freehold was purchased by David Nourani of DN Property London, as part of a package of more than 30 pubs across the city.

“Like I said, it should never have been closed to start with, and so we’ve entered a mutual agreement with DN, who said when they purchased it that they would ensure it stayed as a community pub.” Mr Bogdan added.

“So we’ve got a long-term vision to keep it for the local people. Ultimately, I believe that pubs are community hubs, and that is what they have been forever. The baseline of these spaces is the community function that they offer.”

Mr Bogdan has been a diehard Arsenal fan since he moved to the UK from Romania in 2007. He said that he recognised the importance of the Coronet as a match-day pub and this will represent the core of what the space offers.

Keeping the price of a pint affordable to locals is also an essential.

He added: “Currently we are doing pints for a fiver, a Guinness is £5.50. We think it is super-reasonable for local people.

“I want to get to know the locals and build our customer base that way. It’s called the hospitality industry for a reason, you need to ensure you maintain exactly that.

“The whole industry has taken a hit from all angles over the last few years. Beer prices went up, business rates, gas, electricity, rent have all increased.”

Mr Bogdan used to run an electronics shop in Finchley before pivoting to pubs after he was able to take over the empty Malt and Hops five years ago.

“Lots of spaces on the high street are dying, branches of retail are closing because people are just doing their shopping online. But good luck delivering a pint online!

“Humans are social beings and we need to socialise, so I feel like I’m in a good place with this business.”

The grandiose building was first opened as the Savoy Cinema in 1943 but was converted into a pub in 1983.

The high ceilings and “gorgeous” interior will remain, Mr Bogdan said, but with some slow modernisation and maintenance once business is rolling.

The Coronet will be open daily.