Anglo-Irish pub Brendan the Navigator, located in Highgate, announced the closure on social media, stating the landlord had taken back the premises following long standing issues with developers next door and repairs to damage caused to the pub.
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In the statement, the team said: “It is with sadness that we have to inform you our pub is now closed with immediate effect.”
‘Squeezed out’
It added the business had looked “very promising” as late as the night before, but claimed the landlord had “seen fit to take the premises” rather than negotiate a solution.
The pub said it had been “squeezed out” as a result, adding: “We did our best to create a nice friendly pub and believe we had nearly gotten there.”
The team thanked its staff, friends, customers, musicians, singers and dancers, well as the Highgate and Archway community.
Seeking a new site
It added it was “on the lookout for a fair trading location” for Brendan The Navigator to reopen elsewhere.
The closure prompted a strong response on social media, with customers describing the pub as a “rare independent gem”, “a proper pub with life in it” and “a brilliant music pub”.
One commenter said: “This is such sad news. Too many pubs have had the same fate. The whole local and music community is affected by this.”
Another said the venue had been “the best Irish pub in London”, while others praised its commitment to live music, food and community atmosphere.
Several customers also expressed hope the team would find a new site, while one asked whether the pub could be listed as an Asset of Community Value.
The closure comes amid continued pressure on the pub sector. Recent analysis by The Morning Advertiser (MA) found 32 pubs closed in London between December 2024 and December 2025, while BBPA figures showed 161 pubs shut across England, Scotland and Wales in the first quarter of 2026.
- The Morning Advertiser (MA) has contacted Brendan The Navigator for further comment.
