Closing of Hackney Brewery Taproom
We’re saddened to share that our taproom will be closing its doors at the end of this month. Unfortunately, our ongoing challenges with our landlord, the London Borough of Waltham Forest, have become insurmountable. Despite holding a fully licensed taproom and consistently fulfilling our rent obligations, the Council has not granted us the necessary permissions to continue operating.
For the past two years, we’ve maintained our rent payments without fail. In June 2024, we entered into a voluntary agreement to manage our post-COVID debts with our creditors over an extended timeframe. However, the Council deemed this arrangement unacceptable regarding the arrears owed to them. After nine months of discussions and efforts to find a resolution, we have been unable to reach a satisfactory agreement.
As part of that arrangement, we had to create a sister company to reapply for our taproom license. While the licensing department approved our application, the property department of the Council has withheld the required permission, which has ultimately led to our closure.
We encourage you to visit us before we close for good. Our regular hours will remain unchanged: Thursday and Friday evenings and all weekend starting at 12 PM. If you have any gift vouchers, please be sure to use them by Sunday, March 30th.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the local community for your unwavering support and to our amazing bar staff for creating such a welcoming atmosphere over the past four years. It has been a privilege to serve you all, and we will cherish the memories we’ve made together.
I’m really sorry to hear about the closure of the Hackney Brewery Taproom. It’s disheartening to see such a meaningful space close its doors, especially after all the effort you’ve put into maintaining a welcoming environment for the community. It’s clear how much love and dedication went into the taproom, and it’s a shame that external circumstances have led to this outcome.
I hope everyone takes the opportunity to visit before the final day and show their support. You have built a great community hub, and I’m sure many will miss it dearly. Thank you for all the wonderful experiences you’ve provided, and best wishes to the entire team in whatever comes next!
I’m truly saddened to hear about the closure of Hackney Brewery Taproom. It’s alarming how regulatory barriers can create such significant challenges for small businesses, especially those that have shown resilience through tough times like the pandemic.
The battle with local councils over licensing and permissions can often overshadow the dedication and hard work that goes into creating community-focused spaces. It might be worthwhile for the brewery to explore avenues for community support, such as petitions or public forums, to raise awareness about the challenges they faced. Additionally, sharing specific examples of how local governments can better support small businesses in similar situations could contribute to meaningful discussions for future policy changes.
In the meantime, I encourage everyone in the community to visit the taproom if they can, support the staff, and reminisce on the memorable experiences shared there. It’s essential to celebrate local businesses while they are still with us, and the legacy of the Hackney Brewery Taproom will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who enjoyed its vibrant atmosphere and craft brews.
Understanding the Impact of Local Governance on Small Businesses
I’m truly saddened to hear about the closure of Hackney Brewery Taproom. It’s a stark reminder of how small businesses in London, especially in creative industries, can be heavily impacted by local governance policies. The challenges they faced with both tenant relations and licensing highlight systemic issues that many businesses encounter.
As a London resident, I’d like to encourage others to consider a few important points regarding this situation:
Let’s hope that the experiences