REGULARS fearing another of their favourite watering holes had been lost for good have been told not to worry after new publicans said they are moving in… alongside two dogs, three cats and two tortoises.

A sign on the door of the Junction Tavern in Tufnell Park, announced that Sunday was the last day of trading and that the kitchen was closed.

But Mike and Shaunessey Maclean – who emigrated from Canada in January – told the Tribune this week that they have taken the pub on and pints will be pulled again as early as this weekend.

“It is a beautiful pub and a gorgeous site,” said Mr Maclean (pictured this week).“We were looking around and this really caught our eye. It is a lovely neighbourhood and the pub is flexible inside for us to do lots with it.”

The outgoing management had only been behind the bar for about six months but the overall owners, the Stonegate group, confirmed new tenants had been found.

Dogs Teddy and Bella have already made themselves at home and the living quarters will also see the arrival of the family’s cats Lucy, Hodgie and Odie are settling in.

Frank and Remy, the tortoises, are waiting for special export licences before they can cross the Atlantic and take up residence in the Junction’s sun-kissed back garden.

Mr Maclean added: “We are looking forward to opening and welcoming back regulars and showing the Junction off to new friends too.”