The Magdala Tavern in South Hill Park, Hampstead, has reopened after being closed for over a month due to a pest infestation. The pub resumed trading on September 23 after Camden Council environmental health inspectors had shut it down on August 20.
According to the Ham&High, an emergency prohibition notice posted on the pub door stated that the pub's operator, Twickenham Green's LTD, based in Essex, was forced to close due to an "active uncontrolled mice and cockroach infestation presenting an imminent risk of injury to public health."
Reopening after pest treatment
Camden Council required the landlords to treat the premises for pests and undergo another inspection before reopening. Effective treatment typically takes six weeks to make a pub safe for the public again.
Last week, the pub, which dates back to the 1860s, posted on Instagram: "After a little time away, our doors are open again and we couldn’t be happier to welcome you back. Marco, Herlindo, Jess and the whole team are ready and waiting …the pints are pouring, the kitchen’s fired up, and we’ve missed you. See you at the bar." One customer replied with "Hurrah," while another wrote "Great news."
Planning row over function room conversion
The pub has also been at the centre of a planning dispute over the unlawful conversion of its function room into a flat. Coincidentally, August 20 was the same date Camden Council planners refused retrospective planning permission to the pub's freeholder, Ori Kalif, for the flat, which is believed to have been built in 2023.
Campaigners and residents had waged a 10-year campaign to restore the function room, which they said had been part of Hampstead's life for generations. Camden Council has pledged to enforce planning rules, which would require Mr. Kalif to remove the unlawful flat.
