James Hatts, editor of the London SE1 community website, told the Evening Standard: "There has been a pub at that road junction with that name for 250 years. "To lose that will be a historic turning point for this part of London, even though the modern pub itself is undistinguished and rundown." Foxtons, which specialises in high-end real estate, has become a symbol of gentrification. In April, a Brixton branch of the estate agents was targeted by demonstrators, who shattered a large window pane and wrote "yuppies out" on the shop front. A spokesperson for Foxtons said: "We've been operating in Elephant and Castle for years now from our nearby London Bridge office, so we're really excited at the prospect of opening an office right in the heart of the area. "In the last year alone we've dealt with hundreds of properties and people there and having a new office on their doorstep will allow us to provide exceptional service and local expertise, whilst playing a more active role in the community."