The Oakdale Arms will close in March. Picture: Ewan Munro

A POPULAR boozer has reached the bottom of the barrel and been forced out of its home to make way for developers.

The Oakdale Arms, in Hermitage Road, Harringay, will pull its last pint on Saturday, March 19, but will be going out in style with a lavish send off for its “heartbroken” regulars, complete with cabaret and live music.

The pub will be knocked down to make way for a three storey housing block of nine flats by C&S Builders Merchants, which has just one month to start construction work before their planning permission officially runs out.

The announcement was a blow to the pub’s owners, who were hoping developers would run out of time despite being given the green light for the scheme on appeal almost five years ago.

Landlord Rob Ruin, who also lives above the pub and has been serving at the pub for more than seven years, said the closure was the “end of an era”, adding: “It was a bit of a shock to be given a final closing date. It has been going on for a few years but to know it’s certified is a bit of a nightmare.

“Customers are very upset and everybody is heartbroken. It is my home but it’s been much more than a home. I’m just thankful to everyone for the last few years.”

The north London branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have been campaigning against its closure since 2006 and regulars branded the move as “shameless cultural vandalism”.

The leaving party on the pub’s last day will see a handful of local bands playing on the night as well as a special performance by cabaret act Polly Hall, who used to sing at the pub several years ago.