A long-abandoned Victorian Pub in South London is finally getting a new lease of life. After years of uncertainty, The Queens Arms in Battersea is set to reopen its doors later this month—this time as a Czech-style taproom.
Originally built in 1865, the pub has stood empty since the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, it had already endured a turbulent few years. First, it was shuttered in 2016, but it briefly reopened in 2017, only to close again shortly after. In 2018, planning permission was granted to convert the upper floors into five residential units. The ground floor reopened as a pub in 2020—but within months, the doors closed once more.
Battersea Pub gets a New Life as Czech-Style Taproom
Now, North London’s Bohem Brewery has stepped in. The independent brewery secured the lease in February and has been transforming the site into a Bohemian-style taproom.
Bohem Brewery aims to reopen The Queens Arms by late May. A spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We plan to reopen the venue to customers in late May, once the makeover is complete.”
The refurbished taproom will serve a range of traditional Czech lagers, all brewed at Bohem’s Tottenham warehouse, which has been in operation since 2018. The beers will be poured using authentic Czech techniques, known for their foamy heads and fresh flavour. Customers can also look forward to traditional Czech snacks, adding to the continental pub experience.
Third Taproom for Bohem Brewery
This new location will become Bohem Brewery’s third taproom in London. The company already runs Bohem Taproom in Bowes Park and Nicholas Nickleby in Finsbury Park—both popular for their authentic Czech beer selection.
The reopening marks a major turnaround for the historic venue. Once a forgotten site, it now stands on the brink of revival, promising to breathe life back into the Battersea pub scene. Locals and beer lovers alike can expect a warm welcome, traditional lager, and a touch of Bohemia in South London.
The return of the Queens Arms is part of a wider wave of pub reopenings across the capital. These heritage venues, once at risk of vanishing, are being reinvented with fresh ideas while still respecting their past. That same spirit can be seen in the recent return of the Rose and Lion in Twickenham after a six-year closure — another historic pub brought back to life and proving there’s still strong demand for proper local boozers with character.
After years of closures and redevelopment plans, The Queens Arms is poised for a fresh start. With Bohem Brewery at the helm, the pub blends history with a taste of Czech culture and is ready to become a new local favourite. Watch this space for its official reopening date later in May.
