Urban Pubs & Bars has announced it has taken over The London Fields in Hackney – one of three “high profile openings for 2025,” alongside The George and Dragon in Wanstead, and a new pub in Covent Garden.
The firm founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring, now runs 53 pubs, bars, and restaurants, and has just announced £8.7m profitability and “ambitious” expansion plans.
Recent acquisitions include The Gun in Spitalfields, East Dulwich Tavern, and Balham Bowls Club, while several pubs including The Clapton Hart in Clapton have undergone extensive refurbishments and “significantly exceeded trading expectations” they said.
The London Fields – currently called Martello Hall – is a three-storey pub on the corner of Mare Street and Warburton Road.
Dating back to 1863, it was originally called The Warburton Arms – Thomas Warburton was the keeper of two notorious ‘Madhouses’ in Bethnal Green and Hoxton in the 1820s and owned several properties on Mare Street near the site of the pub.
It was renamed The London Fields in 1989, but closed in summer 2016 when The Hackney Gazette reported noise complaints from neighbours and a name change to private members club and restaurant Martello Hall.
CAMRA reports that original features in the ground floor bar include pilasters with ram’s horn capitals and animal masks, large plate glass windows, and some etched decoration.
Chris Hill, Managing Director of UPB, said: “This has been a landmark year for Urban Pubs & Bars. Our growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. From iconic pubs to innovative dining and entertainment concepts, our venues represent the best of what London has to offer.
“While we remain mindful of economic challenges, our strong trading performance and solid financial foundation give us confidence in our ability to achieve even greater success. With new openings already planned and further opportunities on the horizon, we are excited about what 2025 and beyond will bring.”
