Former James Bond actor Daniel Craig has purchased The Horseshoe, a historic pub in Clerkenwell that closed last week, with plans to refurbish the venue while preserving its traditional character. The pub, described by regulars as the “mecca” of London darts pubs, shut its doors on Friday as licensees Richard and Pauline Tucker retired after 36 years. Owners Stonegate Brewery decided to sell, and Craig, in partnership with Nick Jones of Soho House and Flat Iron steakhouse founder Justin O’Shea, has now taken over the property.
Refurbishment plans for the iconic darts space
The new ownership will undertake a refurbishment project that includes converting the iconic upstairs darts space into a restaurant, marking a new chapter for the venue. Despite this change, Mr Tucker told the Tribune that he had received assurances from the new owners that the pub would retain its “proper boozer” status. The assurance comes as a relief to regulars who had gathered tearfully on the final day to say goodbye to the pub.
Local councillor welcomes the new owner
Councillor James Potts, the Town Hall’s planning chief, visited the pub on its last day and observed the publican giving a speech to regulars. He expressed hope that Craig and his partners would stay true to the pub’s identity. “This is an exciting thing, and the fact that we now have a pub run by Daniel Craig in the borough is a good thing for Islington’s culture and status,” Potts told the Tribune. “If the alternative was the pub closing down, and us losing a historic community place that has been around for hundreds of years, then having a famous new owner is great, and writes a new chapter for the pub. Hopefully, we can expect to see Daniel in there from time to time having a pint with the locals.”
Craig’s personal connection to pubs
Craig, who concluded his five-film run as James Bond with the cliffhanger ending to No Time To Die in 2021, spoke to The Times this week about his childhood in a family that ran pubs. “As a kid I’d get to go down and talk to the locals, especially at lunchtime, and it was always about the day, what’s going on. It’s an outlet for people to come and talk about stuff, maybe their problems,” he said. “I know the ups and downs of a pub, I know the good and the bad of it.” The sale marks a new era for The Horseshoe, ensuring the pub remains a community fixture under its famous new owner.
