London nightlife takes another beating after luxury flats put iconic venue at risk
A ‘hallmark’ night time venue with views over London may be forced to close as a block of luxury flats is set to be built.
Netil360 in London Fields, Hackney, has been warned its views of central London could be spoilt by plans to build the six-storey development just a street away.
It will be built directly south of the bar and nightclub, where Bocking Street meets Mare Street.
Netil360 said the plans could ‘put two of east London’s hallmark venues at risk as well as the long-term locals’.
The post on Instagram said: ‘What’s planned? A six-storey development of flats (NOT affordable housing) on Bocking Street, directly neighbouring us and NT’s Loft.
‘The flats will overlook the terrace and smoking area of NT’s Loft, as well as tower over Netil360, our open-air rooftop venue whose very essence is the view over London.
‘We want to stop Hackney falling further into this spiral for more overpriced apartments.’
Residents and business owners in Soho are also campaigning to keep their independent bars and clubs open after a series of closures.
The iconic G-A-Y bar on Old Compton Street has been put on the market after owner Jeremy Joseph said ‘there is no point trying to fight the Nimbys anymore’.
In October Tiger Tiger closed their doors to become a luxury hotel.
It covered four floors, had one restaurant, four large dance floors and five bars.
The Dogstar in Brixton closed for good in November, allowing for squatters to take over the building almost immediately.
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club has also been threatened with closure, despite being seen as one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ friendly venues in east London.
Its ‘sticky carpets soaked with queer memories’ faced the threat of being washed away after the owners announced their intention to sell the building.
It sparked a campaign to save it with more than 100 people turning out for a rally outside, with many holding up purple Your Venues Need You placards.