A “wonderful” pub which was saved from being turned into flats is holding a range of Christmas events.

The Antwerp Arms, in Church Road, Tottenham, has organised a number of festive events for its regulars.

It was nearly closed and turned into flats – but after a crowdfunding campaign, pub-goers raised £150,000 to save it. This year will be its first Christmas since it reopened.

Mav Highstead, the vice-chairman of the pub, said: “It was important to keep it open. It is in a beautiful area and people have so many wonderful memories of it.

“It is not just about drinking. There are crafts and quizzes and a place for people to come for a coffee, a ladies group and dog walkers.

“It’s also important for people to have a communal place to meet them to interact and have a good time socialising.

“I’m a big believer in community, especially with social media meaning that people are not often together in real life. They need a physical space- especially older people.

“One of our customers who is an older gentleman, has been a regular for over 50 years and so the loss of the pub would have completely changed his life.”

Monday, December 7 will see a wine and cheese evening at 7pm, featuring concert pianist Holly Cullen-Davies.

There will be a carol singing evening with the New Tottenham Singers on December 22 at 7pm.

On Christmas eve, children can meet Santa Claus at 3pm before a Christmas Eve party for adults.

Ms Highstead added: “For our launch we put on a Ploughman’s lunch, with food provided for us by local people who donated cheese, cakes and salads.

Redemption brewing in Tottenham have supported us, so local businesses are benefitting from us staying open.”

“The pub is providing a safe and wonderful place for the whole community.”