The Compton Arms – also known as George Orwell’s ‘perfect pub’ — is under threat and could soon be forced to close.
The much-loved watering hole in the London borough of Islington is being taken to ‘licence review’ by four nearby households, who allege that the venue is a public nuisance, poorly run and poses a danger to health. If they succeed, the pub will no longer be financially viable and will be unable to operate.
The pub has been around since the 1800s and Time Out recently named it the second best pub in the UK. It’s an undeniable piece of London history, and the fact that thousands have rallied around the venue since the news is testament to its ongoing legacy and importance in the community.
From celebrity chef Andi Oliver to Game of Thrones actor Joe Dempsie, dozens of people across the country are taking to social media to share heartfelt stories and messages of support for the pub. Here are just a few of the best reactions:
London crew. One of the best pubs in the UK could be forced to shut, just because of 4 local residents.
— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) August 20, 2022
The Compton Arms is legendary. This is ridiculous.
Please email your support asap to Licensing@islington.gov.uk, quoting ref 220023934.https://t.co/hZD7nabKpm
One of the first pubs we stumbled upon when we moved, like magic. Instantly fell in love with it and helped make London feel that little bit more cosy. @joshuaelliottuk https://t.co/lOdqhNuhxd
— Harley Luv Boon (@HarleyLuvBoon) August 22, 2022
The Compton Arms is a fantastic pub and a significant part of London’s history that we mustn’t lose.
— Night Czar (@nightczar) August 22, 2022
My team is speaking to the venue to offer whatever support we can to resolve these issues and keep the Compton open. https://t.co/2eRUnBN321
This happens too many times. If you don’t want to have noise from the local pub, don’t buy a house next door 👀 https://t.co/jF1jwbzbjq
— Lisa Lashes (@djlisalashes) August 22, 2022
Rally the effing troops. https://t.co/1aWcPGyME3
— Joe Dempsie (@joedempsie) August 21, 2022
Another beautiful well run and very old pub under threat from the shut everything down bullies please take a moment to support https://t.co/ZcT4DKzVpK
— andioliver (@andisn16) August 20, 2022
Keen to help out? People have been urged to email support ASAP today to Licensing@islington.gov.uk, quoting ref 220023934.
ICYMI: these are the 22 best pubs in the UK according to us.