Cllr James Potts, who has been lobbying to get the Mother Red Cap back up and running again after it was shuttered on St Patrick’s Day 2024

A MUCH-LOVED Irish pub in Archway looks set to reopen, two years after its landlord pulled his final pint.

Regulars were devastated when the Mother Red Cap, in Holloway Road, drew its curtains and have been holding out hope that a new publican would take it on.

The pub dates back to 1871 and is home to wood-panelled benches and a pool table. Having been shuttered since St Patrick’s Day 2024, the grey barriers were removed last week.

The Tribune understands that the pub has been bought by Star Pubs, a company owned by Heineken, and that they have given assurances that the institution will remain a watering hole.

Junction Ward councillor James Potts, who has been lobbying to get the Mother Red Cap back up and running again, said: “It is great to see works underway at the Mother Red Cap after it being closed for over two years. I have been campaigning for it to reopen and I hope to pop back in there for a pint soon.”

Cllr Potts is something of a pub expert, and even wrote a book about the stories behind pub names with his friend Sam Cullen during the Covid lockdown.

He previously told the Tribune how “Mother Red Cap” reflects the moniker given to female brewers – or “ale wives” – in the middle ages. At that time, it was a fairly lucrative career for women and they could be identified by the red caps they sported.

A spokesperson for Star Pubs said: “The Mother Red Cap in Holloway is expected to reopen after two years of closure within the next month.

“This old Irish pub, which includes some listed interior features, is popular with football fans and locals.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming back customers to this popular heritage Irish pub.”