Islington pub Compton Arms under threat after neighbours file complaint

The pub has been located on Islington backstreet Compton Avenue since the mid 16th Century and was the inspiration for George Orwell's 1964 essay 'The Moon Under Water' in which he described his perfect pub. It now says it is under threat because of complaints made by a number of its neighbours.

In a post on social media the pub says that four neighbours have alleged that the pub is a public nuisance, a danger to health, that it is poorly run, and that it is run by a licensee with no interest in communicating, all of which it refutes.

As a result, the pub is being taken to a license review by Islington Council.

“I can’t begin to tell you how infuriating and frustrating these allegations are. Our managers, Esther & Nikki have gone to extreme lengths for these guys, under duress, and worked their socks off to run the pub considerately (and exceptionally) - in spite of some more than challenging behaviour from some of the four complainants,” the pub states on its Instagram page.
“The pride these two & the rest of our team take is a joy for us as owners. We are tremendously proud of them, as we are of Belly in our kitchen & of course our loyal customers.
“Post covid periods have seen a lot of pubs go through similar situations. A minority get used to the quiet then decide the pub that’s been there since the 1800’s, that is an asset of community value, is now a nuisance.. it makes me want cry.”

The owners are asking for support from customers and local residents in advance of the hearing with them being urged to provide an opposing opinion to the allegations via email to Islington Council by 23 August.

“Should this minority of four succeed in their requests, this famous, historic pub will no longer be financially viable for us, or any other responsible operator,” it adds.

“It’s that serious. Please help by lodging your support for us, this beautiful old pub and the way we run it.”