Abbey Road [M-Caimary_CC-BY-2]

A VENUE that was shut down after it was fire-bombed by a machete-wielding gang is set to reopen as a traditional pub.

An application to bring back The Salt House to Abbey Road, St John’s Wood, is due to be heard by licensing chiefs next week.

Aldrich Inns said it would be a family-friendly pub and restaurant, and added: “Think seasonal roast dinners, proper pies, and comforting food, done well.”

The Salt House pub was shut down in 2017 following its sale by Greene King. It was at the time the last remaining pub in Abbey Road. The new proposal, broadly welcomed by people living nearby, paints a picture that is a far cry from the shocking scenes three years ago that led to the closure of a sushi restaurant that had opened in the former pub building.

The Extra reported in 2022 how the Monak business was torched, while customers were inside, by a balaclava gang who sped off after firing shotgun pellets at the front door. The horrifying scenes led to a licensing review that closed the business, just a short stroll from the famous Beatles recording studio and zebra crossing.

The licence was revoked in October 2022.

The Metropolitan Police and St John’s Wood Society had objected to the original application but both withdrew, following a meeting with the operators that led to conditions being agreed.

Residents had written in support, with one saying: “I know I’m not alone in committing to help make the return of The Salt House a rousing success and a valuable community asset once again.”

Other residents said: “The Salt House is back!” There are calls for a 10pm closing time and alcohol indoors only from 8pm.

One objector said: “The noise of the clicking bottles, loud conversations of the staff and food waste not properly covered, so flies and smells then pour into the adjacent buildings and mews.

“This needs to stop and be done in the daytime, also with bins covered and bottles / collections.”

According to the new pub’s licensing application, friends Callum Willson and Will Salthouse specialise in bringing classic British pubs back to life. “We believe pubs should be an extension of the neighbourhood, places where people feel known, comfortable, and proud to bring their friends,” it said.

The original bistro-style corner house pub, The Salt House, was named after a salt mine in Poland, with light-coloured walls, and blackboards advertising cocktails and hire of an upstairs private dining room.

A decision will be made next Thursday by the Westminster’s licensing committee.