Nic Sharpe [Cassian Gray-Newton]

THE owner of an independent gastro-pub in Archway has said the stress and expense of running the restaurant pushed him to give it up after almost three decades.

Nic Sharpe spent 27 years running St John’s Tavern in Junction Road, but cited rising costs and the location among the factors for calling it a day.

He told the Tribune: “No one goes to Archway because, let’s face it, Archway is a bit rough. You’ve got Crouch End, Highbury, Canonbury – people will always choose those spots over Archway.”

Mr Sharpe said he had taken over when the pub was “physically on its knees” in 1998 and had put his heart and soul into trying to make it a special place.

He said: “We researched and remade the lamps from a Victorian archive photo, restored the whole façade with original Victorian ­materials, lime plaster, lead and copper. We rebuilt the chimneys. We basically brought it back to life from what it was to the original façade from when it was built.

“It was a labour of love.”

He added: “The rent had literally quadrupled. If you’re in bricks and mortar, bit by bit the costs just attach to you. You feel like a sitting duck for paying out.

“I’m not really a businessman, I’m a creative, I’m an artist. I do it because I love it, but in the end it was running me more than I was running it. It was just not enjoyable.”

He said there would always be extra bills to pay, including business rates and little respite from government policies. “I just think businesses are a bit of a cash cow,” he said.

He told the Tribune that it had become increasingly difficult to fill the 100-seat dining room after the Covid pandemic, and that the location added an extra challenge in terms of attracting customers.

“Suddently it was all about the money,” he said. “It got to the point when I thought: When was the last time I collaborated on a menu, or took staff on a wine trip to Europe?”

The St John’s Tavern in Junction Road, Archway

Mr Sharpe sold the business to Urban Pubs & Bars – which owns more than 40 venues across London – last month.

He said of the decision: “I was always idealistic and punk rock, but at the end of the day you’re either plus a penny or minus a penny, you’ve got to deal with the reality of it.

“As an independent and a creative, the corporate world has always been ‘the enemy’, but the chains are so much better quality than they were before.

“Family business is not part of the cultural landscape any more. I can be nostalgic and think it’s a shame but it’s people’s choice.”

Mr Sharpe said he now plans to “have a rest” before embarking on any new ventures, but was considering getting back into the business either outside London or from a van.

Urban Pubs & Bars said that St John’s Tavern will re-open on Friday October 31 after a £1million renovation.

They said the relaunch will introduce an updated garden space and extended lounge area.

Chris Hill, managing director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “St John’s Tavern is one of north London’s true gems, a classic Victorian pub with an incredible history and a loyal local following.

“Our investment en­sures it remains a neigh­bourhood favourite while evolving into something fresh and exciting.”

He added: “With beautiful new interiors, a focus on great seasonal food, and a vibrant community feel, we can’t wait to welcome guests back this autumn.”

Of selling to a chain, Mr Sharpe said: “I’m not ideologically opposed to chains.

“All the mavericks and the pirates and the punks, they open something new and then when that goes well they open a second or a third, and then that gets bigger, and then they sell out.”

He added: “I got out with the reputation and the place being really good. The regulars are gutted. I said ‘embrace it, it’ll be fine, embrace the new guys coming in’.

“I want to see it work for the area. I thought Urban Pubs would be the best people to do that.

“The legacy of that place is amazing, it’s almost like an institution Good memories and good feeling and I’ll be supporting it.”