A much-loved 17th Century pub which could have been turned into residential flats has finally reopened its doors after shutting down six years ago.

The King’s Head pub, in Roehampton High Street, is now welcoming customer once again in what is being highlighted as a major success story in protecting historic at-risk buildings.

The Grade II Listed pub is once again a thriving business attracting visitors to Roehampton and contributing to the area’s regeneration, following a team effort by Wandsworth Council, property developer St James and Young’s Brewery.

The pub faced imminent danger when its former owners closed its doors in 2006 and boarded up the building. Shortly after it closed, thieves broke in and stole copper piping from its central heating system.

In February 2007 and June 2008 the council refused two planning applications that would have turned the pub into residential units.

A subsequent planning application from developer St James, which was approved in 2010, paved the way for the pub to be fully refurbished and extended, with some residential units provided in its adjacent coach house.

Brian Parsons, who used to drink in the pub before it closed, said: "It looks like a north American prairie house but I have to say I like it and look forward to having a pint there."