Building in Angel could become a pub again for first time in over two decades

The Pearl and Feather on St John Street. Image: Google

A pub could open once again on the site of a former hostelry near Angel if it wins planning permission.

London-based Delta Tech Ltd has applied to transform a restaurant in St John Street, near Angel, into a pub and restaurant.

A hostelry called the Empress of Russia operated there between 1811 and 2000, when it closed.

According to planning application papers submitted recently, it would “bring the historic pub use back” whilst keeping a restaurant “to provide more community-friendly service”.

The building has been a fish restaurant, brasserie and Pearl and Feather restaurant recently.

The applicants said the pub would not affect the area’s vitality or character.

They said they did not need to change the outside of the building.

They plan to cater for functions, and private gatherings in a dedicated section of the pub as the building has space, with  a large ground floor and basement trading area.

They hope to keep the restaurant’s opening hours of 8am to 12.30am Monday to Sunday and plan to have eight staff serving up to 70 customers.

According to the design and access statement, the business “will centre around the restaurant use where freshly-made food is served and the proposed pub use will provide customers the option to have vertical drinking with lighter snacks.”

A licensing application for the Empress was deferred by Islington Council last November, as planning permission was needed before it could operate as a pub.