The popular Hackney pub ceased trading on Sunday 16 March. The Gun licensees Nick Stephens and Hanna Sinclair Stephens announced the decision comes despite their best efforts to navigate the increasing financial pressures facing the hospitality sector.
Decade of music and community
The Gun, located on Well Street in Hackney, was lovingly restored to showcase its original Victorian features from around 1860 before opening in June 2014 by Nick Stephens, Hanna Sinclair Stephens, and Oliver Dixon.
Over its 11-year history, the pub became a cornerstone of London’s underground music scene, hosting numerous DJ-led events in its intimate 90-capacity venue.
Celebrated electronic music DJs and producers such as Vladimir Ivkovic, Lena Willikens, Optimo and David Holmes, who all made appearances at the well known site.
Financial challenges faced
Despite a strong local following, the Gun faced significant hurdles during the period in which it was open.
In 2020, the venue narrowly avoided closure thanks to a crowdfunding campaign that raised over £30,000 in a single day during the pandemic.
Further fundraising efforts in 2021 saw the release of a compilation album featuring contributions from artists like Roisin Murphy, Ride’s Andy Bell, and Nitzer Ebb to support the pub and local charity Hackney Quest.
However, these efforts were ultimately not enough to counteract the current economic climate.
A fond farewell
The Gun was also known for its successful kitchen residencies, including Ling Ling’s, which was highly acclaimed, earning the top spot in Time Out’s ‘best Sunday roasts in London’.
Stephens reflected on the closure. He 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.
Speaking on the future and what that means going forward he added: “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 Compton Arms is set to continue to trade under the direction of Locals Group, led by Stephens and Sinclair Stephens
