This legendary Hackney Wick pub could be forced to close

Hackney Wick has long been known as a place for late-night adventures, from off-the-grid warehouse parties to clubs and bars including Colour Factory, Number 90 and Grow. 

There’s also Victorian boozer The Lord Napier Star, which sat derelict for over a quarter of a century before being reopened in 2021 by the Electric Star Pubs group, which also includes the Star by Hackney Downs, Star of Bethnal Green and Leyton Star among others.

Now, says Rob Star – who runs the mini pub chain – the future of the Lord Napier Star is at risk.

‘The Lord Napier is under threat… it’s because [of] plans to build a block of flats right next door to where our beautiful garden is,’ explains Rob in a video posted to Instagram.

‘They’re going to build balconies basically overlooking this area. It also means they’re going to overlook our lovely roof terrace - and that means one thing; the neighbours are going to complain.’ The pub is currently licensed until 1.30am on the weekends. Star added that complaints could lead the pub losing their late licence, which could ‘send our business under’. 

Rob Star has asked fans of the pub to contact Tower Hamlets council via email to voice their objections to the development, which involves the demolition of an existing building and the building of a five-storey mixed-use property with eight residential units. 

The planning statement reads: ‘The site at present is in a low density use and represents a high inefficient use of land that is indefensible in light of current planning guidance. The site makes a limited contribution to the character and appearance of the area.’ It adds: ‘The proposed building is five storeys in height with the top floor set back from the front facade… specifically to reduce the proposals’ impacts on the adjacent non-designated heritage asset, Lord Napier public house.’ 

Other late-night venues in London fighting property development include east London’s Moth Club and The George Tavern. 

Before reopening in 2021, the abandoned Lord Napier Star was a hotspot for squat raves and was covered in colourful graffiti, with the phrase ‘Shithouse to Penthouse’ plastered in three-foot letters across the top of the building.

The Lord Napier Star, 25 White Post Lane, Hackney Wick, E9 5ER.

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