Geronimo buys north London pub

Geronimo Inns has bought the Lion & Unicorn pub in Kentish Town for an undisclosed sum.

Christie + Co sold the freehold of the north London pub on behalf of troubled pub operator Pub 'n' Bars' administrator David Thurgood of Grant Thornton, which was appointed in December 2009. at the time, it operated 87 community pubs in the South East.

The traditional, wet-led pub is also home to resident theatre company Giant Olive, which will continue to use the property after a brief period of refurbishment.

Simon Chaplin, director at Christie + Co, said: "London-based freehold opportunities continue to generate a healthy interest from a wide range of buyers. We are delighted to have been able to secure such a high-class operator, such as Geronimo Inns, for the Lion & Unicorn.

"We are also delighted that the theatre group will continue to play an important role in the fabric of this unique business."

Geronimo Inns, led by Rupert and Jo Clevely, was itself acquired just before Christmas when Youngs bought the business for £60m.

It currently operates 26 sites across London as well as the Red Barn in Lingfield, Surrey and in December it added the Surprise pub in Chelsea to its estate.

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By Janie Stamford

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