The photo above of Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson, East Barnet councillors Edith David and Phil Cohen, supported by Cllr Simon Radford who was at work, pulling one of the first pints shows the joy at the Prince of Wales's re-opening on Tuesday 13 May. The occasion was shared by Rory Mcmonagle pictured right, the pub's general manager. 

Thanks must go to all the people who supported the campaign and signed the petition to save the pub, especially the East Barnet Residents Association. 

The iconic pub which has been at the heart of the local community for 150 years and then closed in February 2024 has opened its doors again after a multi-million refurbishment by new owner Heartwood Collection, including a new bar and brand new restaurant.  Local jobs will benefit with over 40 local people employed in various full and part-time roles at the pub. 

Cllr Phil Cohen who started this petition which gathered over 3000 signatures, said this was a great day for the local community.

‘ We read about many pubs closing but this has bucked the trend thanks to support from local residents. They were clear that the Prince was a vital community hub. People remember birthdays and wedding receptions they had there. 

‘We have shown that community spirit matters and cannot be ignored.’ 

The Revd Dr Alec Corio, the Rector of St Mary’s church East Barnet, and President of the East Barnet Residents Association, welcomed the new pub. 

‘People often say that the two pillars of a village community are the church and the pub. Well, East Barnet village is blessed by many churches of different denominations, but we have been without a village pub since the Prince of Wales emptied its barrels in February 2024. There was a lot of anxiety in the local area about the loss of the pub as a social space and as a place of community. 

‘So our councillors and the East Barnet Residents Association successfully campaigned to have the pub listed as an asset of local community value, to prevent any change in use occurring without public consultation. It's really good news for our village community that the new owners of the Prince of Wales, Heartwood Inns, have  reopened the doors of our local pub just over a year later. The Prince of Wales has been revitalised but keeps its historic character, and our hope is that it will help to revitalise the life of East Barnet village too.’,

https://princeofwaleseastbarnet.com/

Please log on to the pub's website above and see what it has to offer in the way of drink, food and activities that Rory is organising to make the Prince a community hub once again. Thanks to all.