7. Too late to save the Copenhagen?
Reader Gerry Slater, who wrote a very popular piece last year on the local pubs he used to love, got in touch the other day to say that the Copenhagen pub on Camden Road closed last Saturday. The site is due to be redeveloped into flats and a branch of Sainsbury’s.
“You may think that this is progress for a so called unsuccessful pub, but nothing could be further from the truth,” he says. “I haven’t seen or heard anything locally that supports this change. In fact, everyone seems to be vehemently against it. I love the place. A proper old fashioned boozer with characters to match. A real throwback and an antidote the gastro-pub fashion of the moment.
“Until recently The Cope was more of an eatery (called the Latin Corner) and to be honest, not a really successful one. Then Linda Evans was appointed manager and the place really took off. She really knows how run a pub properly and nothing is too much for her. Her staff reflect her attitude. The beer, music, parties and above all the Sambuca are all top notch. It is now successful. But it’s still closed. What can be done now? The answer is plenty!”
The developers, apparently, have rushed through a plan to get the deal done with Islington Council before an alleged “cut-off” point of April 1st. “The consultation period has been very short indeed,” says Gerry. “Approximately three weeks since the decision was taken. However, the locals have been organised and are mounting a fightback. They’ve been in touch with their MP, started a petition, got the councillors, the Tenants Association, and CAMRA all involved.”
It remains unclear if any of the units will be used for social housing. “But what is not unclear,” he says, “is that a branch of Sainsbury is very much unwelcome, mainly because of the effect on local business but also that there is a vast array of shopping choices locally. It is not needed. We can still make a difference and stop this wonderful building being lost forever.”
If you care, move quickly as it might all be over by April 1st. Tweet Gerry with your support or to get involved in the campaign at @dialsquare10 or visit the Facebook Page ((Hope for The Cope).
Happy long weekend!
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Words: Stephen Emms and Conor Fisk
