Homerton ‘community asset’ pub The Prince Edward to celebrate 150th anniversary

A rally outside The Prince Edward in 2014. This month the pub is to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Photograph: Josh Loeb

A Homerton pub that was saved from the wrecking ball by a group of determined campaigners is to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The Prince Edward pub on Wick Road is famous for its reggae, soul and Irish music nights, and claims to be “one of the few affordable pubs” left in South Hackney.

The celebrations, on Saturday 16 July, will feature local DJs on the decks from 12pm, as well as a barbecue and pizza.

The pub first opened its doors in 1866, but faced an uncertain future after its owner Sandeep Johal applied in 2014 to turn the property into a block of luxury flats.

But following pressure from local residents and pub regulars to keep the pub open, Hackney Council threw out the application and the pub was awarded Asset of Community Value (ACV) status in June 2015.

As a result, the pub cannot undergo a change of use or be demolished without planning permission.

If the owner does want to sell up, a community group or group representing the pub’s users can trigger a six-month delay, giving them time to raise money to buy the asset.

Josh Clarke, from the Friends of Prince Edward campaign, said the pub is “one of few pubs that cater to the older and local people of Hackney. A place where you can go if you don’t want to spend £4.50 on a craft beer”.

He added: “It remains one of the few affordable pubs frequented by long standing members of the community left in South Hackney. Join us to celebrate history, community and neighbourhood boozers!”