An iconic former music venue and pub in High Wycombe has been transformed into flats – and the Bucks Free Press has been given a sneak peek inside by the developers.

The infamous and much-loved Nags Head pub, in London Road, played host to dozens of legendary bands including Thin Lizzy, Sex Pistols, Status Quo, Police and U2, but has now been turned into 13 flats.

The plans for flats on the legendary site were controversial – with music fans calling it the “end of an era” and dozens of objections submitted to Wycombe District Council against the proposals.

Eighteen months after building work started to convert the pub into homes, the work is now complete - and the developers of the contentious project have spoken out about the momentous task they faced.

The building’s landlord – who wanted to remain anonymous – said the pub, which closed its doors in 2012, was in a bad state when they started renovations.

He said: “The pub was just destroyed. It was in a terrible state when we first came here. There was a lot of hostility towards the developers but we hope we have been able to give something back to the community.

“There were squatters living in here at first and police had to come and get them out. The basement, where they used to keep the barrels, was completely flooded. It was a mess, but it looks a lot better now. It was important to us that we keep certain parts of the pub’s character, because it was a popular place once.”

The famous stone nag’s head above the front door has been retained, while the developers say they have tried to keep the layout inside similar to before, with only a few new walls being built.

The renowned night spot was a favourite with music fans in its heyday in the 60s and 70s, with thousands cramming into the pub to hear the latest hits from big names, who would often sign the famous green room wall.