Kinks pub 'closes'

nlnews@archant.co.uk
16 January 2007

Ray Davies

A WEALTH of memorabilia including a guitar and a signed seven-inch single by Muswell Hill's most famous band, The Kinks, is to remain in its spiritual home of The Clissold Arms, despite concerns over the pub's future.

The drinking hole in Fortis Green, opposite the childhood home of Kinks founders Dave and Ray Davies, closed recently for the second time in four months, prompting rumours of financial strife.

The pub is full of Kinks memorabilia, including a signed copy of their first single - a cover version of Little Richard's Long Tall Sally - a guitar, a wall of photographs and a brass plaque etched with the words: "Site of 1957 performing debut of Ray and Dave Davies, founding members of The Kinks."

Just last February, The Clissold Arms was named one of Britain's Pubs In Time - commemorating drinking holes with historical significance - and awarded a second plaque.

But a spokeswoman for owners Enterprise Inns said the pub was due to reopen later this month with none of the musical heritage removed. She said: "The pub is currently undergoing some repairs and we hope to reopen it towards the end of January."

The pub even features in the lyrics of The Kinks' song Fortis Green.