Tollington Arms fire: Holloway pub faces months of closure

The Tollington Arms, a well-known pub in Holloway, faces a prolonged closure after a fire damaged its basement on Friday, October 9. Landlord Martin Whelan has indicated that the pub could be out of action for several months, potentially up to four, as repairs are undertaken.

The London Fire Brigade dispatched four fire engines and around 25 firefighters to the scene in Hornsey Road in the early hours of the morning. Crews from Islington, Kentish Town, Stoke Newington, and Hornsey fire stations worked to tackle the blaze, which caused damage to the flooring in the pub's basement.

One individual suffered minor smoke inhalation, according to Mr Whelan, but no other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.

Mr Whelan, who has run the pub for 20 years, expressed his devastation at the incident. He told The Standard that the investigation team discovered something buried under pyro cable in the basement, possibly dating back 150 years. He added that the process of investigation and subsequent repairs would take considerable time, stating it would be a 'miracle' if the pub reopened within four months.

The Tollington Arms is a popular venue for Arsenal fans, located near the Emirates Stadium. The pub had previously been a focal point for fan celebrations. Following the fire, an announcement on the pub's Facebook page apologised for the disruption and asked patrons to make alternative plans for upcoming matches.