Hackney pub and music venue The Gun has closed, cites rising costs

Beloved London pub and music venue The Gun has announced its indefinite closure, citing rising costs in the hospitality sector.

The pub, situated on Well Street in Hackney, announced its closure on Friday, March 14, after more than a decade in operation. The venue was first opened by founders Nick Stephens, Hanna Sinclair-Stephens and Oliver Dixon in June 2014.

Per a press release, founders renovated the space after its purchase, keeping much of the building’s “original Victorian features” from 1860 intact.

Following its opening, The Gun became known for its regular DJ events – fitting just 90 people inside the space. Over the years, it hosted the likes of Daniel Avery, Optimo, Lena Willikens, David Holmes, Ivan Smagghe, Marie Davidson, Vladimir Ivkovic, and many more.

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Three final events took place over the weekend, the first featuring regular The Gun DJs Alex Hall and Jean Young. Saturday enlisted Scott Fraser, while Sunday brought an all-day line-up of DJs from The Gun’s 11-year history.

“Please come join us this weekend, in this climate, treat each as if it could be our last,” The Gun said on Instagram on Friday. “We’ve had a good run,” they added.

During the pandemic in 2020, The Gun faced threat of closure amidst “a turbulent time for hospitality”. The pub raised £30,000 in a single day through the release of a crowdfunding campaign.

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A year later, The Gun released a compilation album featuring the likes of Róisín Murphy, Nitzer Ebb, Daniel Avery, and more, with funds supporting both the pub and local charity Hackney Quest.

Co-founder Nick Stephens said on the pub’s closure: “The Gun has faced many challenges over the years, and despite our very best efforts it has become unsustainable to continue trading.”

“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.”

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter