Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, in Avenue Road, was closed on February 1 by owner Samuel Smith Old Brewery.
A pub bearing the name has stood on the site since the 1830s, but the present building, which dates from 1930 and looks like an alpine chalet, is not listed by Heritage England and had no protection from developers.
All that changed on April 16 when Camden Council approved applications from Labour councillors, Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) North London and the Belsize Society to have the pub listed as an asset of community value (ACV).
The status will protect the pub from demolition for the next five years.
It means that should the pub be put on the market, local groups or individuals will have six months to raise money to bid for it.
Alan Selwyn, planning lead at the Belsize Society, said the organisation was “delighted” the importance of the pub had been recognised.
He said: “We are keen to work with the current owners to come up with a solution that benefits the community. The Belsize Society is now working with other local groups in the area, and with Camra to develop a plan for the pub to brought back into public use.”
He said the building will be added to a new annexe to Camden’s ‘Local List,’ which identifies non-designated heritage assets, following an application made by The Belsize Society.
“This will give additional protection if any alterations or demolition are planned,” he added.
John Cryne, former chair of Camra North London, said: “The Swiss Cottage has been there for many years, the area named after the pub rather than vice versa.
“It came as complete surprise to us that it was going to close. There aren’t many pubs left in that area and it’s just vital that they survive.
“They are important places for people to meet and talk to each other.
“Camra wants to save pubs because they sell good beer but we also want to save them because they are part of the community.
“We want that community to continue, which is why we put in so much effort into saving pubs as we can.”
