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If you’re familiar with east London, you’ll more than likely be acquainted with The Gun: that snug little green-tiled boozer on Well Street.
With banging food offerings, a programme of buzzy music events and proper pints, it’s been a stalwart of Hackney’s eating and drinking scene for more than a decade. It’s hosted several kitchen residencies over the years, such as the inimitable Ling Ling’s – which you might recognise as the number one in our best Sunday roasts in London list – as well as booking DJs like Daniel Avery and Marie Davidson to play its intimate 90-capacity space.
But not everything lasts forever and all good things must come to an end. Yesterday (March 16) was the last day of trading for the Hackney venue, which was forced to close its doors due to the ‘increasing costs of running a hospitality business in the current financial climate’.
Time Out UK editor-in-chief Joe Mackertich said about the closure: ‘The Gun is a hugely influential, massively loved and exceptionally well-run part of London's hospitality scene. Losing it is big deal.
‘Whether you popped in for a Saturday afternoon pint, one of its legendary roasts or a critically acclaimed DJ set, the experience was always top notch. East London has lost a little piece of its identity. Hopefully everyone involved will immediately go on to new and brilliant things.’
Meanwhile, Time Out design director Bryan Mayes said: ‘Had many a joyful sesh at The Gun over the years. Unfathomably cool staff and clientele, all packaged together in a very laid back way. How did they do it? Perfect for an early evening solo pint or the weekend lash with your pals and creative forward thinking food too. What a crying shame it is that pubs like this can't survive and thrive in today's times. RIP.’
Nick Stephens, Hanna Sinclair-Stephens and Oliver Dixon opened the pub in June 2014, breathing new life into the building by polishing up its original Victorian features. The venue was saved from closure in 2020 thanks to a crowd funding campaign during the pandemic, which raised more than £30,000 in one day.
Landlord Nick Stephens 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.’
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