Councillor James Potts Launches Campaign to Revive Mother Red Cap, the Historic Archway Pub

Efforts are under way to bring new life to a much-loved Irish pub in Archway, which has remained closed since its landlord retired the day after St Patrick’s Day last year.

The Mother Red Cap, a public house on Holloway Road with a history dating back to 1871, has now stood vacant for over 16 months. In that time, its doors have stayed firmly shut, its curtains drawn, and graffiti has slowly accumulated on the exterior. For regulars and residents alike, hopes of a revival began to fade – especially after the building was recently boarded up, sparking concern across local WhatsApp groups that the pub might be lost forever.

Determined not to let that happen, local councillor James Potts has made it his personal mission to see the venue reopen. Speaking to the Tribune, he said:

“I walk past it every day on my way to the Tube. I’ve visited it many times in the decade I’ve lived here. The interior is beautiful – it still has the original tiling on the walls.”

He added that he and colleagues are currently attempting to make contact with the brewery that owns the site to better understand its future.

“That’s where we are at the moment,” he said, “but I’m really keen to get it back open. I’m of Irish descent, and we have a strong Irish community in Archway. Local pubs are central to our culture and identity – they are important community spaces. Hopefully, we’ll have good news soon.”

Cllr Potts has a longstanding interest in public houses. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, he co-authored a book with friend Sam Cullen exploring the origins of more than 650 pub names across the UK.

According to their research, “Mother Red Cap” was a name traditionally associated with female brewers – or “ale wives” – in medieval times, who were said to wear red caps as they worked. It was a relatively well-regarded and profitable profession for women at the time.