Historic pub suddenly closes after 160 years as devastated landlord says trading has become ‘unsustainable’
AN HISTORIC pub that has been around for over 160 years has suddenly closed.
The East London hotspot has closed with immediate effect, despite the old school pub being hugely popular with locals.
The Gun, in Homerton, was given a revamp in 2013 by landlords Nick Stephens and his partner Hanna-Sinclair Stephens and opened a year later in 2014.
It became hugely popular with locals until Covid when it endured a difficult time.
Thanks to a crowd funding campaign, which raised over £30,000 in just one day, the pub was able to continue trading.
However, current pressures on the hospitality industry has meant the pub, which had a capacity of only 90, has become ‘unsustainable’ and has since been forced to close.
In an announcement, landlord Nick said: “The Gun has faced many challenges over the years, and despite our very best efforts it has become unsustainable to continue trading.”
“Locals Club would like to extend our warmest thanks to our loyal staff, locals and the many DJs who helped create such a special community at the pub.”
“We hope the future brings an opportunity for Locals Club to create another music-led pub in another location.”
“For now, we’ll be focusing on our thriving Islington pub, The Compton Arms.”
The popular spot managed to attract some big names over the years, including Vladimir Ivkovic, Lena Willikens, Optimo, David Holmes, Daniel Avery, Ivan Smagghe, Manfredas, Marie Davidson, Decius and many more.
It became well known for its weekly DJ nights, which required no entry fee, and Korean food made by chefs from Anju restaurant.
The pub, along with other neighbourhood businesses, launched the annual ‘Well Street Against Racism’ street parties after the Brexit referendum, raising money for local charities such as Hackney Quest.
The pub’s final day of business was on Sunday 17th March and the final track to be played was “Jump Into The Fire” by Harry Nilsson.
The pub’s closure is one of many pubs forced to close their doors recently.
Approximately six pubs shut their doors for good every week last year, leading to an estimated 4,500 job losses, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
The closures come amid pressure from higher borrowing costs and high energy bills for businesses, alongside a continued squeeze on household finances as mortgage and rent costs increase.
Pubs are set to come under further pressure when a raft of cost increases linked to the October Budget, such as higher National Insurance contributions (NIC), and an increase in the minimum wage, come into force in April.
Employers currently pay NICs for most workers earning more than £9,100 a year.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
“Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.
“We’re right behind Labour’s mission to supercharge growth and can deliver this economic boost across the UK, but only if it is easier for pubs to keep their doors open.
“Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities.”
The latest data means that the number of pubs in England and Wales dropped from 47,613 in 2019 to 45,345 in 2024, the BBPA said.