Fears housing scheme could result in closure of Hoxton pub The Macbeth

Good times at the Macbeth. Photo: Rachel Lipsitz

Legendary pub and gig venue The Macbeth could be forced to close if an application to build a private block of flats next door is rubber stamped by Hackney Council later this month.

The Hoxton pub’s co-owner Mark Robinson fears that if the Town Hall grants permission for the development comprising eight housing units, complaints about noise from the new residents could lead to jobs and livelihoods being lost.

An online petition has been created and Mr Robinson has called on fans of The Macbeth to voice their opposition to the housing scheme by developers Bluecroft, which is expected to be considered by the planning sub-committee in two weeks time.

Mr Robinson said: “We’re not talking 30 family units for people who are in need. This is a money making scheme.

He added: “20 pubs are going out of business a day. If The Macbeth closes there are about 100 people whose pockets will get lighter, all of whom are Hackney citizens.”

A spokesman for Bluecroft said they would not be commenting at this time.