Upstairs at the Gatehouse

One of the oldest pubs in Highgate, The Gatehouse is first mentioned in 1670. It has had a chequered history. Byron, Cruikshank and Dickens all used its services and at the turn of the century it was famous all over London for its "shilling ordinairies", gigantic lunches which filled many a Victorian stomach. The auditorium that now houses the theatre was opened in 1895 as "a place suitable for balls, Cinderellas and Concerts" and its various uses have included a Victorian Music Hall, a cinema, a Masonic Lodge and a venue for amateur dramatics. John and Katie Plews of Ovations Theatres Ltd are responsible for the numerous productions at the theatre, which is officially London’s top theatre –at 446 feet above sea level!