London bids farewell to a historic pub with a Swiss flair

The Ye Olde Swiss Cottage pub in London, known for its Swiss chalet charm, has permanently closed its doors after nearly 200 years of service.

Photos : London City/Swiss Cottage/Kbsp/DR

This closure has left the residents and regular patrons of the Camden neighborhood uncertain about the future of this iconic establishment.

A little piece of Switzerland in London

With its Swiss guard, Germanic script, typical wooden balcony, and architecture, the Ye Olde Swiss Cottage was not a sight from the Bernese Alps, but rather a landmark in Camden, northwest London. Founded in 1830, this historic pub gave its name to the nearby tube station and urban area. It has often been painted and photographed for its unique charm.

Photos : London City/Swiss Cottage/Kbsp/DR

The last pint

On Saturday, February 1, the Ye Olde Swiss Cottage served its last pints, ending almost two centuries of service. The BBC reported that regulars expressed their sadness and nostalgia. “We are all shedding a tear,” said Candice Temple, a frequent visitor, to the London magazine “Ham & High.” Tony Kay, another regular, added, “The Ye Olde Swiss Cottage is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s one of those places where when you enter, the music stops, and everyone turns and looks at you.”

What does the future hold for the Swiss Cottage?

The future of this historic pub remains uncertain. The Samuel Smiths brewery, which managed the establishment, did not respond to inquiries from the British media, fueling concerns among locals. The Swiss chalet had lost its popularity and clientele in recent years. Without being listed or recognized for its community value, it risks being demolished or transformed. “What I don’t want is for it to be demolished and turned into apartments,” Tony Kay worries.