A disused pub previously occupied by squatters is set to undergo major renovation.

A group of squatters were evicted from The Prince pub, Colliers Wood just days ago, allegedly stripping the site of its copper piping in the process.

The pub, bought for £1m, by fast growing pub company, Antic, will be renamed “Provenance” meaning “going back to the roots”

Anthony Thomas, chairman of Antic, said: “The squatters arrived over Easter while the builders were on holiday.

They have done some damage, it’s annoying.”

Mr Thomas, who is in charge of the whole refurbishment, hopes that the squatters do not move back in.

He added: “They said, ‘the front door was open.’

Antic, who also own the nearby pubs, Tooting Tram and Social and the Antelope, are looking forward to beginning work within two weeks, aiming to reopen in May.

Mr Thomas said that the pub will be “much more intimate, quirky with an independent soul.”

The new owners aim to restore the original character of the pub with complete renovation of the bar, kitchen, dining and garden areas. This will include the bar area spilt into intimate areas to override the previous open space style.

The change comes at a time when the area is on a huge community makeover kick-started by the impending Collier’s Wood tower refurbishment.

Neighbouring public house, The Colliers Tup has also recently been rebranded into a real ale pub, the Charles Holden.

The new pub name is inspired by the architect who designed various London tube stations, including Colliers Wood.