Islington Council will not conduct a licence review that could have seen Victorian era pub The Sekforde in Clerkenwell close its doors.
By Ben Gosling
Islington Council will not conduct a licence review that could have seen Victorian era pub The Sekforde in Clerkenwell close its doors.
The licence review was proposed after local residents complained that noise from patrons of the pub standing outside while drinking was disturbing them. Islington Council could have banned customers from drinking outside, and limited outdoor seating to 20 people.
The pub stated that they would not be able to carry on trading with these restrictions.
However, at a council meeting, the licensing subcommittee decided not to impose these restrictive conditions. Around 1,330 representations were made to the committee. The pub’s future became something of a cause célèbre – the story was featured in national newspapers like The Telegraph and the Daily Mail.
Landlord Harry Smith was thrilled with the news, saying that “it was the neighbours who support the pub that are the ones that saved us. Their representations at the hearing were so powerful, basically saying we love our local. Please don’t listen to the minority of residents who are against the pub”.
Artist Lydia Wood, who has amassed a cult following on social media in her journey to draw every London pub – including The Sekforde – was vocal in supporting the pub, even attending the council meeting.
“I’m really pleased with the result for The Sekforde and when I attended the hearing it was clear to see the passionate support for the pub,” said Wood.
