A renowned bar with a 200-year history that served as the inspiration for Orwell’s essay on the ideal pub may be forced to close after four neighbours who moved in during lockdown complained about loud partygoers and “piles of trash.”
North London’s Islington neighbourhood has received complaints from four nearby homes regarding the Compton Arms’ public annoyance, health risks, poor management, and lack of communication among the licensees.
Islington Council has thus decided to reconsider the Compton Arms’ license.
The pub served as the model for George Orwell’s 1964 article “The Moon Under Water,” which was published in the Evening Standard and outlined his ideal bar.
He listed 10 criteria for the ideal pub, including Victorian furnishings, bartenders who know each patron by name, and a snack counter.
North London’s Islington pub’s representative said: “I can’t even begin to tell you how irrational and frustrating these claims are.
‘Our managers, Esther and Nikki, have worked tirelessly to run the pub considerately and exceptionally – despite some more than problematic behaviour from some of the four complainants. They have gone to great lengths for these people, under duress.
The pride that these two and the rest of our crew feel makes us owners happy.
As with Belly in our kitchen and, of course, our devoted customers, we are incredibly proud of them.
Many pubs have seen similar circumstances during the post-Covid eras.
The pub, which has been there since the 1800s and is a valuable asset to the town, is considered an annoyance by a minority of people who have grown accustomed to the peace. I want to cry about it. You’re needed to aid us.
Online, angry customers vented their wrath about the nimby neighbours while vehemently defending the “wonderful” staff and management of the “class” pub.
“Four neighbours who have grown accustomed to silence in the Covid lockdowns shouldn’t take precedence over an institution whose resurgence and well health we should all be celebrating,” Erasure’s Andy Bell stated in a really fine email.
“Guys, don’t let the b******s beat you down.”
“My husband asked me to marry him in your tavern,” Marcella Mullen declared. Three of our four grown children currently reside in the neighbourhood.
They head to The Compton together. It’s the best pub, and we all go there when we’re feeling down.
“I adore your pub…” good fortune I will undoubtedly send the licensing division an email. Kindness and affection.
“I live right around the street and have never had a bad word to say about this pub and their personnel,” remarked Andy Kelly.
“To those complaining: if you don’t like it, don’t purchase a house next to a pub.”
Imagine moving in next to a pub and then whining about the pub being there, remarked James Dyson. Definitely a cursed nation. The people and management of The Compton Arms are great.
Victoria expressed her regret at the bad news. Why relocate near a bar if you’re going to complain?
If you live in Islington, Lydia Wilson pleaded with you to lend a hand in preserving the Compton Arms. One of London’s top bars and the source of The Moon Under Water by George Orwell.
Oh, and don’t purchase a home next to a bar and then whine about the bar.
Sue Rogers expressed her surprise at learning of the accusations, saying, “What? Why would someone purchase or rent a property close to a bar when the pub was there long before they arrived?
It’s astounding how entitled some people feel. They may not like my counsel, but I have some for them. Move. Better yet, avoid moving there in the first place!
“I lived pretty near, never had any issues, only emailed,” Reva Kan said. best of luck.
Peter Erskine: “I understand you. Without the generosity you all extended to the entire community, I would not have been able to get through Covid.
I haven’t been in for a while because I don’t live close by, but I’ll stop by this weekend and email you on Monday, Henrietta said.