A BBC report in July said according to the British Beer and Pub Association the number of pubs in the UK has steadily decreased every year since 2000.
Around 15,000 pubs have closed in that time, including 289 in 2014 – the equivalent of six a week.
Here are five pubs that have closed across east London in the last five years.
The Rising Sun, Hornchurch
The Rising Sun, in High Street, Hornchurch, closed permanently in June 2023 after being open for at least two decades.
Originally known as The Cricketers Public House, Havering Libraries claim the name is said to have reflected the importance of Hornchurch Cricket Club.
The boozer went by the name of O.J.’s in 2011, and the George II in 2014, before its final name change to The Rising Sun in 2018.
The property is, at the time of writing, listed as ‘under offer’ on estate agents Savills’ website.
Hudson Bay, Forest Gate
Wetherspoon’s Hudson Bay in Upton Lane closed its doors for the last time in July 2023.
The chain said it was a “commercial decision” to sell the premises.
Islamic education charity Quwwat-Ul-Islam Society submitted a planning application to Newham Council at the end of 2023 to use the site as a community space.
WhatPub’s site currently labels the building as as now in use as a “multi functional” community centre.
The New Angel Inn, Rainham
According to The Lost Pubs Project website The New Angel Inn, in Broadway, shut in September 2022.
By November that year, a planning application had been submitted to convert the vacant building into office space – which was later rejected by Havering Council due to it resulting in the “loss of a community facility”.
However, the pub remains closed at the time of publication, with the flat above last sold in September 2022 for £702,000, according to Zoopla.
The Barking Dog, Barking
The aptly named Wetherspoons-owned Barking Dog in Station Parade closed in April 2022 for the redevelopment of the tower block Trocoll House.
However, there have been major delays to construction.
Near the two year mark since closure, a spokesperson for Wetherspoon told this paper it is committed to reopening the pub although is not in control of when the developer hands over the premises to the chain.
Mirth, Marvel & Maud, Walthamstow
Mirth, Marvel & Maud in Hoe Street formerly held a cinema, bar, pub and restaurant.
The pub confirmed its closure in January 2020.
A post made on the building’s Facebook page read: “What a ride. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the most wonderful journey that we have enjoyed together since we brought life back to this old thing.
“We hope you will treasure some fond memories shared.”
The site is now occupied by the Soho Theatre Walthamstow which opened in May this year.
