Wednesday, 28 January, 2026
London, UK
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 12:17 PM
scattered clouds 8.3°C
Condition: Scattered clouds
Humidity: 84%
Wind Speed: 7.4 km/h

Victorian-era pub at risk of having its hours cut after ONE single noise complaint

A London pub is facing having its hours slashed after a single noise complaint was made to a Labour-led council.

The World’s End in Finsbury Park, which has hosted gigs from acts including Mumford & Sons and Ed Sheeran is now facing a licensing review after a noise complaint was made to Islington council.

If the review was passed, there could also be a ban on live music and airing live football as well as the implementation of an 11pm closing time or a ban on outside eating and drinking.

The exact reason behind the sole noise complaint is not known, however it’s likely to become clearer when the case is brought before Islington council’s licensing sub-committee on February 11.

A spokesman for the pub, owned by Greene King’s Metropolitan Pub Company, told The Telegraph: “Our pub is a much-loved venue that has been operating for many years.

“We remain committed to working constructively with our neighbours, local residents and the council to ensure we can continue to serve the local community.”

A spokesman for Islington council confirmed that the licensing review application had been submitted by an individual local resident.

They added: “Islington council, like any other licensing authority, has a legal duty to ensure all licensed premises adhere to the conditions of their licence.

“Licences are underpinned by four licensing objectives, preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance, ensuring public safety and protecting children from harm.”

u200bThe World's End in Finsbury Park

The spokesman added: “We aim to balance the interests of businesses with those of residents who may be affected by the activities of those businesses.

“We work with licensed premises to find solutions to issues that might arise.”

First opening under the name “The Earl of Essex”, the North London pub has been pulling pints since 1874.

The pub has become known as a spot where up-and-coming musicians are able to get their start performing in front of live audiences.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

u200bThe World's End

One of those who got their start is multi platinum selling singer songwriter Ed Sheeran, who credited the area around the pub as being the inspiration for some of his earliest tracks.

Back in 2022, Mr Sheeran wrote: “I lived all over London back then, wherever anyone would have me, but Finsbury is where I’d spend most of my evenings coz of the open mic nights there run by my mates.

“I first moved up in 2008 and on my first night got inspired to write my song The City, which was the first song written and recorded for my debut album +.”

The pub is also a match-day favourite with football fans due to its close proximity to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

u200bEd Sheeran

Pubs and live music venues in England will benefit from 15 per cent off their business rates bills from April, after warnings from the sector that changes from November’s autumn budget would lead to mass closures and job losses.

Other hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants and cafes will not receive additional support despite their own concerns over soaring tax bills.

In the budget, the Treasury announced changes to business rates which introduced a lower multiplier used to calculate the commercial property tax.

This was more than offset by the removal of a Covid-era 40 per cent discount to business rates bills for hospitality, leisure and retail businesses, as well as new property valuations.

The Chancellor introduced transitional relief to manage increases to rates bills over the next three years after the removal of sector discounts.

However, industry bodies UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) had warned that pub business rates bills would still increase by an average of 15 per cent, or £1,400, in April without an intervention.

u200bShadow Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart

Shadow Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart told GB News: “It’s too little, too late. What the Government should be doing is what the Conservatives said, what Kemi announced at a party conference in October. Just scrap business rates.

“Cut public spending. Scrap business rates. That’s what’s going to breathe life into our high streets.

“The tiny concession they made yesterday is a small reduction in the increase.

“Nobody in the Labour cabinet ever worked in business. They have absolutely no experience of the private sector. They don’t know what it’s like to have to make paychecks out for your for your staff.”


LP Staff Writers

Writers at Lord’s Press come from a range of professional backgrounds, including history, diplomacy, heraldry, and public administration. Many publish anonymously or under initials—a practice that reflects the publication’s long-standing emphasis on discretion and editorial objectivity. While they bring expertise in European nobility, protocol, and archival research, their role is not to opine, but to document. Their focus remains on accuracy, historical integrity, and the preservation of events and individuals whose significance might otherwise go unrecorded.

Categories

Follow

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to receive your complimentary login credentials and unlock full access to all features and stories from Lord’s Press.

    As a journal of record, Lord’s Press remains freely accessible—thanks to the enduring support of our distinguished partners and patrons. Subscribing ensures uninterrupted access to our archives, special reports, and exclusive notices.

    LP is free thanks to our Sponsors

    Privacy Overview

    Privacy & Cookie Notice

    This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and to help us understand how our content is accessed and used. Cookies are small text files stored in your browser that allow us to recognise your device upon return, retain your preferences, and gather anonymised usage statistics to improve site performance.

    Under EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we process this data based on your consent. You will be prompted to accept or customise your cookie preferences when you first visit our site.

    You may adjust or withdraw your consent at any time via the cookie settings link in the website footer. For more information on how we handle your data, please refer to our full Privacy Policy