Regulars create book to remember threatened pub

Regulars at a soon-to-be-demolished London pub have joined forces to produce a book capturing the spirit of its drinkers and the venue's history.

The Wheatsheaf, in Borough Market, will be bulldozed in January to make way for the Thameslink railway project, but the regulars hope their Portrait of a Pub​ will allow people to remember and celebrate the "old fashioned boozer".

The book includes photographs of the Young's pub and it's regulars throughout its history, and a roll of honour for all the past publicans who have worked there.

Licensee Tony Barry, who has run the pub since 2001, said: "We want to go out with a great celebration. We've had a great time in the pub and we wanted to do something to remember that.

"The book will be a snapshot of the pub's life, left behind for posterity, long after its demise."

The book, containing more than 120 different pictures, has been compiled entirely by the regulars who have offered free printing, photography and design services.

The contemporary photos have been taken by renowned photographer John Ross, who is a frequent visitor to the pub.

"Our regulars are quite a creative lot. The pub has been open since 1772 - it's older than America - so there is certainly a lot for them to document," said Tony.

The book will be available to buy from Paul Smith Photography, based in Borough Market, from November 4 and any profits made will be donated to the Southwark-based charity Kid's Company.

Tony is now looking for another pub in the area to take on and fill the void that will be left once the Wheatsheaf closes.