Developers have backed down on changing the name of a favourite Chelsea pub after an estate rallied together to support its historic community watering hole.

The World's End pub is thought to have served thirsty wanderers in King's Road, Chelsea, since the times of Henry VIII - long before the estate was built around it.

It has lain empty for months, but is set to reopen later this year as a French bistro after a £1 million investment.

Developer Eddie Khoo lodged a planning application with Kensington and Chelsea Council to scrub out the iconic gold letters reading the 'World's End Pub and Distillery' above the door and change it to Chelsea Bar and Distillery, citing Feng Shui as a reason for change of name.

Chair of the over 50s club Helen Morris said: "I'm horrified. This is a total insult to the residents of World's End. If that's what he thinks, why is he coming here at all."

Maggie Byrne, who runs the newsagents shop in the estate piazza, also objected to the plan and added that the pub had been always been a centre-point to the community.

Now, after the estate rallied together in a show of solidarity against the plans, Mr Khoo has announced he had changed his mind.