Mystery sale angers Hampstead locals

Laurel Pub Company is selling the King of Bohemia ­ the oldest pub in Hampstead, north west London ­ after receiving a "very attractive offer" from an unnamed buyer. The company is, however, facing anger from local residents after declining to give any indication of whether it will remain a pub ­ local rumours indicate the site might become a restaurant. Local residents fear the pub may have pulled its last pint on Sunday after more than three centuries in business. Assistant manager Janet Chandler has worked at the pub for three years. She said: "It's the only pub of its name in the country. "I'm also losing my local because I grew up round here ­ I went to South Hampstead School, I was born at the Royal Free Hospital. "Our regulars are not best pleased. "There are certainly no other pubs in Hampstead that have quite the same atmosphere." Although the present building dates from 1935, the pub was first mentioned in records in 1680. Laurel Pub Company spokeswoman Maureen Heffernan said she could not reveal who had bought the building. She added: "We were made a very good offer for the pub.