Gastro pioneer is on the market

The Havelock Tavern, which is one of the pioneers of the gastro-pub concept in London, is up for grabs for the first time in almost a decade.

Owners Jonny Haughton and Peter Richnell re-opened the pub in April 1996 and since then it has become one of the capital's premier food pubs.

'This is one of the original gastro pubs offering good- quality food within traditional pub surroundings, said David Smart of Christie & Co's London office.

'It's in Kensington Olympia and operates in true gastro style with a trade garden and six rooms on the first floor.

'It has won several awards and is featured in many of the well-known pub and restaurant guides.

Smart added there is already planning permission to build a house with a garage within the Havelock's trade garden.

The property is in the quiet residential area of Brook Green on the corner of Masbro and Irving roads. The nearest tube stations are Shepherd's Bush (Central Line) and Olympia, which also has national rail services.

Christie & Co is seeking offers of around £2.2m for the Havelock Tavern's freehold.