The Gun in Homerton – a sister pub to The Compton Arms in Islington – called last orders on Sunday, March 16.
Despite their best efforts, landlords Nick Stephens and Hanna-Sinclair Stephens were not able to keep it open due to the rising cost of running a hospitality business.
The pair, along with Oliver Dixon opened the pub on Well Street, Hackney in June 2014 following a renovation that restored many of the building’s original Victorian features.
They operated The Gun, and The Compton Arms through their company The Locals Club.
Commenting on The Gun’s closure Nick Stephens 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.
“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.”
Built around 1860, The Gun narrowly avoided closure in 2020 during the pandemic, but a crowd funding campaign helped secure its future after gaining more than £30,000 in just one day.
In 2021 the pub released a compilation album to help keep the pub open and support borough charity, Hackney Quest with Roisin Murphy, Ride’s Andy Bell, Nitzer Ebb and many others contributing to the 14-track LP.
Over the past 11 years, The Gun’s DJ-led events have helped establish it as one of London’s underground music venues.
Celebrated DJs and producers who have played at the tiny 90 capacity pub include Vladimir Ivkovic, Lena Willikens, Optimo, David Holmes, Daniel Avery, Ivan Smagghe, Manfredas, Marie Davidson, and Decius.
The Gun also played host to several kitchen residencies including Ling Ling’s who has built a loyal following and was rated number one in Time Out’s ‘best Sunday roasts in London’.
The Compton Arms in Compton Avenue, Canonbury will continue to trade under landlords, Nick Stephens and Hanna Sinclair Stephens.
