The Archway Tavern is set to open later this year as a cocktail bar, the Gazette can reveal.

Islington Gazette: Archway Tavern and the old public toilets outside have been brought back into the public spotlight. Picture: Dieter PerryArchway Tavern and the old public toilets outside have been brought back into the public spotlight. Picture: Dieter Perry (Image: Dieter Perry)

The Archway Tavern is set to open later this year as a cocktail bar, the Gazette can reveal.

The historic pub has been closed since its brief stint as iconic rock venue The Intrepid Fox in 2014, but the creation of a pedestrianised square on its doorstep has brought its future back into the spotlight.

Signs advertising rooms and apartments on the second floor appeared outside recently, so the Gazette called agent 101 Estates to find out what was happening. The firm, which said it had managed the property for 10 years, confirmed the venue would reopen – but not as a traditional boozer.

“We’re finishing the place at the moment,” said director Carlos Floriz. “It’s not going to be an old-school kind of pub, more of a cocktail bar.

Islington Gazette: Archway Tavern and the old public toilets outside have been brought back into the public spotlight. Picture: Dieter PerryArchway Tavern and the old public toilets outside have been brought back into the public spotlight. Picture: Dieter Perry (Image: Dieter Perry)

“We don’t have a name yet and we’ve had lots of delays. We’re hoping to open in July but it could be November – we’re doing lots of work, including changing the floor.”

Land registry documents show the pub is still in the hands of the Imtiaz family, who tried and failed to convert it into a lap-dancing club in 2007.

Koli’s Nightclub at the back of the venue is still open and the old public toilets outside, which have gained prominence thanks to the roadworks, have attracted interest. Ladies and Gentleman, the company that transformed a set of Kentish Town loos into an award-winning cocktail bar, enquired about taking on a lease but was knocked back by Dr Sardar Imtiaz, who told them the toilets were not for sale or leasing.

“There’s huge public demand for these toilets and the pub to be brought back into use,” said William Borrell of Ladies and Gentleman. “And if I have a skill, it’s turning public toilets into pubs.”

The only 101 Estates listed on Companies House is registered in Surrey and owned by Angela and David Dawes, who scooped a £101million Euromillions jackpot in 2011.

The Imtiaz family did not respond to the Gazette’s request for comment.