How the new pub will look [Wetherspoons]

WETHERSPOONS are planning to name their new pub in Euston after the Royal Navy explorer Matthew Flinders – the adventurer whose remains were found during railway works.

The New Journal revealed first that the pub company has drawn up plans to convert the former Secrets and Sophisticats lap-dancing club in Eversholt Street into a new bar.

The national media caught up on the news a few weeks later, as the venue’s history has meant it is never too far away from the headlines.

While some of its premises are up for sale – including the ornate Coronet pub in Holloway Road and lawyers’ favourite, the Penderel’s Oak in Holborn – Wetherspoons has its eyes on new site as well.

Not only is it planning to move into the vacant nightclub, but we reported last month how it is also opening a new bar in the Red Lion in Kilburn.

Captain Matthew Flinders is credited with popularising the name Australia after leading the first circumnavigation of the country at the end of the 18th century. He is often depicted with his cat, Trim, alongside him, including on a statue outside Euston station.

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His remains were among the thousands dug up during HS2 works at what was the burial ground at St James’s. He was identified by the lead depositum plate on the top of his coffin. His headstone had been lost during the expansion of the station in the 1840s.

Captain Flinders retains hero status in Australia where there are several statues dedicated to him, and his name is used for places and landmarks including streets, bridges, stations and a university.

Now, a Wetherspoons pub looks set to be added to that list.

Captain Matthew Flinders

Lap-dancing clubs sustained a big blow to their business from the Covid lockdowns and the rules that were in place as things slowly opened up again.

Camden Council, meanwhile, has faced repeated calls to stop licensing adult entertainment venues by opponents to the industry who argue that it degrades women.

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Performers at Sophisticats had been among the supporters when the club was threatened with the revocation of its licence after a police investigation into claims customers were charged thousands of pounds on their credit cards in one night.

The club defended itself by saying a £50,000 bill was not exceptional in the world of high end lap-dancing clubs, and that women were providing a valued service.

Overall, Camden has a policy that says there is nowhere suitable in the borough for a strip club.

But while no more licences are likely to be granted, existing clubs can renew their licence on a yearly basis.