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Walthamstow is known for many things: its sprawling wetlands, a glitzy neon art gallery, attempting to reject a Gail’s bakery. It’s also known for its beloved stretch of indie craft breweries in industrial units making up the Blackhorse Beer Mile, just two minutes away from Blackhorse Road Underground stop, as well as others nearby.
Sadly, two E17 taprooms were forced to close last month: one Wild Card Brewery on the Lockwood Way estate and another on the Ravenswood estate, which also houses The Rolling Scones, Trap Room and Pillars Brewery. It is understood that Waltham Forest Council ordered bailiffs and took back the Lockwood Way taproom due to unpaid rent. A notice was tacked onto the Ravenswood site, stating that the lease had ended, spurring concerns that other local businesses could follow suit.
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The Standard reported that Wild Card ‘owes about a year’s rent to Waltham Forest council’ and that the council is allegedly facing a multi-million pound budget ‘black hole’, leading critics to argue that it could be evicting local businesses to recoup unpaid rent – some of it stemming from debts during the pandemic – to help.
Locals have highlighted the importance of the beer mile to the area, which is a big draw to young, trendy families and tourists alike.
Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow, said about the situation: ‘Walthamstow beer mile has rightly become a much loved and visited attraction so I do understand the concern about the future of businesses there in the light of recent events including the sad closure of the Wild Card brewery.
‘I've sought and received assurances that the council is committed to helping tackle the problems that have arisen with rents and supporting these brilliant small businesses so that we can all enjoy the beer mile for years to come.’
Meanwhile, a Waltham Forest council spokesperson said: ‘We work hard to assist local businesses and give them the time and support they need to thrive.
‘When a company has accrued significant rent arrears, we may need to take action to protect the public purse and ensure taxpayers’ money is used wisely.’
However, the Blackhorse Beer Mile has assured Time Out that the future of the mile is – thankfully – alive and well. Big Penny Social, Burnt Faith Brandy House, Pillars Brewery, Pretty Decent Beer Co and Exale Brewery and Taproom have all confirmed they aren’t going anywhere. We’ll update this story with more information when it is available.
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