A POPULAR taproom has become embroiled in a bitter four-year-long row with a local council.
The dispute has led the brewery to announce it closure which will take place later this month.
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Hackney Brewery is set to shut High Hill Tap after the dispute with Waltham Forest Council became “untenable”.
Taking to social media to make the important announcement, the company claims the the Council has refused to grant permission for the running of the bar.
The post explained how the owners have paid rent for the past two years and a full license in operation.
Since last June, the group entered a “voluntary agreement” to “settle post-COVID debt”.
According to the caption, High Hill Tap has been unable to come to an agreement despite nine months of communication.
The closure has been described as a result of needing to re-apply for a license under its own name.
Whilst the licensing department approved this, the Council’s property department supposedly “withheld the necessary permission, which has resulted in the closure”.
The post read: “We are deeply saddened to announce that, at the end of this month, we will be closing our taproom.
“Unfortunately, the ongoing situation with our landlord, London Borough of Waltham Forest, has become untenable.
“Despite having a fully licensed taproom and consistently paying our rent, the Council will not grant the necessary permission for us to continue running the bar.
“For the past two years, we have honoured our rent payments without fail.
“In June 2024, we entered into a voluntary agreement to settle post-COVID debt with our creditors over an extended period.
“However, this was not acceptable to the Council in respect to arrears due to them, and despite nine months of communication and attempts to resolve the situation, we have been unable to come to a satisfactory agreement.
“As part of this arrangement, we were required to form a sister company to re-apply for our taproom license under its own name.
“While the licensing department approved our application, the Council’s property department withheld the necessary permission, which has resulted in the closure.
“We invite you to visit us before we close our taproom doors for the last time.
“Our regular hours will remain unchanged: Thursday and Friday evenings, and all weekend from 12pm.
“If you have any gift vouchers, please be sure to use them by Sunday, March 30th.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the local community for your unwavering support, and to our incredible bar staff for creating a welcoming space for everyone over the past four years.
“It has truly been a pleasure to serve you and a privilege to work with you.”
The Sun has approached Waltham Forest Council for comment.
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