In its first half-year report this morning Fuller's announced the acquisition of the Great Northern Railway Tavern in Hornsey. I guess that at least secures its future and saves it from the fate of the Queen's Head and so many other pubs.
About twenty years ago when I lived in Crouch End we used to go to the GNRT all the time at the weekends, as it was the only pub open late, plus a bunch of friends used to play there regularly. At the time, the pub was always referred to as the Top House and never by its actual name. I'm not sure why, but that's how it was and that's still what I call it to this day.
Independents are great, but Fullers are a very good brewery and as you say, it will keep it safe. No bad thing.