Brief

Daniel Craig co‑owns haunted 250‑year‑old Horseshoe pub in Clerkenwell

The actor joins three partners to renovate the historic venue while acknowledging its reputed haunt.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 21:59:32 GMT

Former James Bond actor Daniel Craig has become co‑owner of the 250‑year‑old Horseshoe pub in Clerkenwell, London, according to the Independent.

What happened

Craig bought the historic establishment alongside three longtime associates: Nick Jones, founder of the Soho House members’ club; Charlie Carroll, founder of Flat Iron steakhouse; and Justin O’Shea, creative director of the Bad Belze beer brand, which he and Craig launched earlier this year. The new owners plan a year‑long renovation that will replace the upstairs dart‑board bar with a dining room, add a terrace and a sizable beer garden, and keep the venue accessible to a broad clientele.

What the reports add

The Independent notes that the pub’s previous landlady, Pauline Tucker, warned the buyers that a hangman’s ghost, known as Gilbert, is said to haunt the cellar. The legend advises leaving a pint of ale nightly to appease the spirit. Craig confirmed the story in an interview with The Times, saying, “I don’t know what he drinks but we might have to leave a pint down there: ‘Here you are, Gilbert.’”

What was said

Craig told the newspaper that his family background in pubs – his parents ran the Ring O’Bells in Frodsham and his grandparents owned a Chester city‑centre pub – gave him insight into the role of such venues in local communities. He added, “You know the ups and downs of a pub. I know the good and the bad of it. But I also know how important they are in the local community.”

How it came about

The acquisition follows Craig’s recent venture into the beverage market with Bad Belze and reflects a broader trend of high‑profile investors revitalising historic London pubs, a theme also covered in Felo’s recent piece on the refurbishment of the Ship pub in September.

Key facts

• Daniel Craig has become co‑owner of the 250‑year‑old Horseshoe pub in Clerkenwell. (independent.co.uk)
• The ownership group includes Nick Jones, Charlie Carroll and Justin O’Shea. (independent.co.uk)
• The pub is reputedly haunted by a hangman's ghost named Gilbert. (independent.co.uk)
• Craig plans a year‑long renovation adding a dining room, terrace and beer garden. (independent.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Daniel Craig buys haunted 18th century pub in London”