A man has lost a planning war with a 150-year-old pub – after filing various noise complaints shortly after moving in next door.
The man demanded a review into the World’s End in the capital’s north last year over claims of late-night noise, a failure to comply with conditions, and other “disturbances” affecting his quality of life.
Islington Council published a lengthy 248-file which revealed the applicant, Axel Guillemot, believed the pub is “persistently undermining the licensing objectives”.
He also complained about live music into the night, “excessive amplified music”, and crowd noise.
Mr Guillemot also said he had seen antisocial behaviour including cannabis use, shouting and disorder outside the boozer.
He said the disturbances affected his newborn child and caused stress during his partner’s pregnancy.
Included in documents submitted to the council were correspondence with the council’s noise team, witness statements, and photographs.
He said in his application that “previous complaints have been submitted to licensing, pollution highways and ASB teams”.
Antisocial behaviour and noise complaints were cited in a report over 200 pages long
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WORLDS END PUB FINSBURY PARK
“Despite extensive engagement, the issues have continued,” he added.
The pub is owned by Greene King and is licensed to operate until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, until midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and until 12.30am on Thursday.
It is known for live music, comedy nights, sport screenings, American barbecue food, and bills itself as a “North London landmark for as long as anyone can remember”.
Some 200 residents and local groups backed it in its battle with its neighbour.
PLANNING ROWS – READ MORE:
The pub is known for live music, comedy nights, sport screenings, American barbecue food, and bills itself as a North London landmark
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DESIGNMYNIGHT
The planning row has sparked a fierce social media pile-on over how the pub had stood long before Mr Guillemot moved in.
One commenter, Luke Irving, said: “A person buys a house with a shared party wall to the World’s End pub. In 2025 they start a campaign to have the pub’s license revoked due to noise.
“A 248-page report was needed to confirm that the pub had been there long before them, and it should stay. Insane.”
Another said: “I used to live behind this pub. The idea that you could buy a house next to it and expect permanent peace and quiet is bonkers.”
Journalist Helena Horton added: “There should be a ban on complaining about things which were already there.”
Greene King said it is committed to working with the council to address concerns, and described the pub as a valued part of the community.
Legal representation for Greene King (left) gave evidence during a lengthy meeting
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ISLINGTON COUNCIL
The meeting with Islington’s licensing sub-committee lasted over and hour and a half and consulted members of the public, the council’s noise team, and legal representation for Greene King.
The committee said the pub can continue to operate, but must review the noise complaints and assess the “current sound insulation qualities of the venue.”
It has also said the pub must “prepare a scheme of sound insulation and noise control measures”, which could include a noise-limiting device.
It went on to mandate that no noise reverbate outside the premises of the pub, nor “vibration be transmitted through the structure”.