Baxter’s Court in Hackney shut its doors for the last time on November 2, as part of a rejig of the pub company JD Wetherspoon’s portfolio.
The Mare Street premises had been likened to an office building, but locals have defended the pub, which has attracted many customers over the years.
Many said they could not understand the decision.
Former customer Leon James, 21, said: “I can’t understand why they did it. It always busy. I go there every Friday. It seemed very busy and popular. People liked it. So why have they made the decision?
“It can’t be a financial decision; it was always busy. There used be security guards outside, that’s how popular it was. Not sure why they have done this.”
The student, who lives in Hackney, added: “I now go somewhere else on Fridays. But to be honest I liked it there. I hope they change their decision.”
Mary Richards, 37, said: “I used to go there. I liked it. I was surprised they closed. Me and my friends loved going there. It was lively and had a great atmosphere.”
“Why have they made this decision? It doesn’t make sense. If people are happy with it then why change?
The Hackney resident, who is currently unemployed, added: “I think it will have a negative effect on Hackney. Lots of people came into Hackney to drink there so financially it is not good.”
Hackney carpenter James McCann, 49, said: “I used to go in there sometimes on Saturdays. I didn’t know it was closed. I’m a little bit surprised about that.”
“It was always busy, especially on weekends. A lot of people will now have to go somewhere else now. It was a big pub, which was good. Most pubs in Hackney are small.
“A lot of people might struggle to find something similar to the Baxter’s. There was one big bar just down the corner which closed as well.”
A customer notice said customers could visit their next nearest Wetherspoon instead – The Rochester Castle in Stoke Newington, a 35-minute walk away.
Other Wetherspoons closures in London in the last two years have included the Alfred Herring in Palmers Green, and the Asparagus in Battersea.
