The Gun Hackney Reopens: Guinness Meets Wagyu by Kotaro Ogawa 2026

Key Points

• The popular Hackney pub, The Gun, announced its closure just under a year ago due to unsustainable economic conditions.
• Owners, who also run The Compton Arms in Islington, stated “despite our very best efforts it has become unsustainable to continue trading”.
• The pub has been acquired by J-Pub Holdings, led by Kotaro Ogawa, the proprietor behind the high-end Mayfair steakhouse Aragawa.
• The venue is set to reopen in a few weeks, reimagined as a “traditional London pub with Japanese food, drinks and great Guinness”.
• Expectations include premium offerings like wagyu beef, with prices presumed lower than Mayfair’s Aragawa, where 100g of steak can cost up to £230.
• Information on exact plans remains limited, as reported initially by trade title Propel.
• The revival aligns with the adage “where one door closes, another opens”, breathing new life into the site.

Hackney, London (East London Times) February 16, 2026 – The Gun, a well-loved pub in Hackney, is poised for a dramatic revival under new ownership by J-Pub Holdings, spearheaded by Japanese hospitality expert Kotaro Ogawa, with plans to reopen in a matter of weeks blending traditional Guinness pints with upscale Japanese cuisine including wagyu.​

The closure announcement came just under a year ago, leaving locals mourning the loss of a community staple. Now, the site promises a fresh chapter, billing itself as a “traditional London pub reimagined with Japanese food, drinks and great Guinness”. This fusion concept has sparked intrigue among regulars and food enthusiasts alike.​

What Led to The Gun’s Original Closure?

The original owners of The Gun, who also operate The Compton Arms in Islington, cited dire economic pressures as the reason for shuttering the venue. As they stated unequivocally, “despite our very best efforts it has become unsustainable to continue trading”. This decision reflected broader challenges facing the hospitality sector, including rising costs and shifting consumer habits post-pandemic.​

No further details emerged at the time regarding specific financial figures or timelines, but the closure resonated deeply in Hackney’s vibrant pub scene. Trade title Propel was among the first to report the development, highlighting the owners’ struggle against prevailing economic conditions.

Who Is the New Owner Behind the Revival?

J-Pub Holdings has acquired the property, a move that gained excitement upon revelation of its key figure: Kotaro Ogawa. Ogawa is the mastermind behind Aragawa, the prestigious Mayfair steakhouse renowned for its ultra-premium wagyu offerings. At Aragawa, diners face eye-watering prices, such as up to £230 for just 100g of steak, underscoring Ogawa’s expertise in high-end Japanese dining.​

As reported by Propel, the purchase by J-Pub Holdings signals ambitious plans, though specifics on menu details, interior refurbishments, or exact opening dates remain scarce. Ogawa’s involvement elevates expectations, promising a sophisticated twist on the classic British pub experience.​

What Can Patrons Expect from the Reimagined Pub?

The new iteration positions The Gun as a “traditional London pub reimagined with Japanese food, drinks and great Guinness”, according to initial billing. This suggests a menu fusion where hearty pints of Guinness pair with Japanese delicacies like wagyu steak, potentially at more accessible prices than Mayfair counterparts.​

While full details are pending, the emphasis on “great Guinness” nods to preserving the pub’s heritage, ensuring it remains a draw for locals seeking familiar comforts alongside novel indulgences. Presumptions abound that pricing will undercut Aragawa’s elite tariffs, making luxury more approachable in Hackney’s bustling neighbourhood.​

When Will The Gun Reopen Its Doors?

Reopening is slated for “a few weeks time”, though no precise date has been confirmed across reports. This timeline follows the acquisition by J-Pub Holdings, with minimal leaks on preparatory works or soft launches. Propel noted the swift progression from purchase to relaunch, underscoring Ogawa’s efficiency in hospitality turnarounds.​

The anticipation builds as Hackney residents and visitors alike await the debut, potentially transforming a dormant site into a hotspot. Any delays would mark a departure from the optimistic schedule, but current indications point to an imminent unveiling.​

Why Is This Revival Significant for Hackney?

Hackney’s pub landscape has endured closures amid economic headwinds, making The Gun’s resurrection a beacon of resilience. The infusion of Japanese precision via Kotaro Ogawa could redefine local dining, merging East London grit with Mayfair polish. As Propel observed, “where one door closes, another opens”, encapsulating the phoenix-like return.​

This development bolsters community spirits, potentially drawing crowds for Guinness sessions that extend into wagyu feasts. It also spotlights investor confidence in London’s traditional venues, adapting them for contemporary palates without erasing their roots.​

How Does Kotaro Ogawa’s Background Influence the Project?

Kotaro Ogawa’s pedigree at Aragawa brings unparalleled credibility to the venture. That Mayfair establishment commands reverence for its authentic Japanese wagyu, where portions command £230 per 100g, attracting elite clientele. Ogawa’s vision for The Gun likely channels similar quality, tempered for pub accessibility.​

No direct statements from Ogawa appear in available coverage, but his track record implies meticulous curation of food, drinks, and ambiance. Propel’s reporting frames him as the pivotal force, ensuring the reimagining honours both British pub traditions and Japanese finesse.​

What Role Does Guinness Play in the Concept?

Central to the pitch is “great Guinness”, positioning the Irish stout as the anchor amid Japanese innovations. This strategic nod reassures purists that The Gun won’t stray far from its liquid heritage, even as wagyu tempts adventurous diners.​

Patrons are invited to “come for the Guinness, stay for the wagyu”, per the headline phrasing, crafting an evening progression from casual sips to gourmet indulgence. Such hybrid appeal could broaden the venue’s draw, from after-work crowds to date-night seekers.​

What Economic Factors Prompted the Original Shutdown?

Revisiting the closure, the owners’ candid admission—”despite our very best efforts it has become unsustainable to continue trading”—mirrors sector-wide woes. Inflation, energy costs, and supply chain disruptions have squeezed margins, particularly for independents like those behind The Compton Arms.​

Propel contextualised this within “current economic conditions”, a phrase echoing countless hospitality exits. The Gun’s case underscores vulnerability, yet its sale to J-Pub Holdings demonstrates market opportunities for reinvention under fresh stewardship.​

Who Are the Original Owners and Their Other Ventures?

The proprietors, unnamed in reports but linked to The Compton Arms in Islington, navigated multiple outlets amid turmoil. Their dual operation highlights interconnected challenges, where one venue’s viability impacts others. The closure statement reflected collective exhaustion after exhaustive attempts.​

No updates on The Compton Arms’ status follow, but the pivot away from The Gun frees resources, potentially stabilising their portfolio. Propel’s coverage attributes the quote directly to them, preserving transparency.​

Will Prices Align with Local Affordability?

Speculation centres on pricing, presumed “a shade below” Aragawa’s extremes. At £230 per 100g in Mayfair, wagyu there caters to connoisseurs; Hackney’s version may scale for broader appeal, balancing premium ingredients with pub economics.​

This democratisation could invigorate footfall, positioning The Gun as a value-driven gem. Without official menus, assumptions hold, but Ogawa’s acumen suggests strategic pricing to sustain long-term trade.​

How Might Japanese Elements Manifest in Drinks?

Beyond food, “Japanese drinks” hint at sake, shochu, or highballs complementing Guinness. This eclectic lineup could foster unique pairings, elevating the pub beyond standard fare. Propel’s scoop teases such integration without elaboration.​

What Challenges Lie Ahead for the Reopening?

Operational hurdles persist, from licensing to staffing in a competitive borough. Economic conditions, once fatal, now test the new regime’s resilience. Success hinges on marrying authenticity with innovation, as Ogawa’s team refines the vision.​

Community buy-in remains key; locals may embrace or eye warily this upscale shift. Propel’s early report sets the narrative, but on-the-ground reception will dictate longevity.

Broader Implications for London’s Pub Scene

The Gun’s story exemplifies adaptation in a beleaguered industry. High-profile buyouts like J-Pub’s signal investor appetite for heritage sites, infusing global flavours. Hackney, with its creative pulse, stands ready for such evolution.​

As pubs grapple sustainability, hybrids like this may proliferate, ensuring cultural icons endure. Propel’s insight captures the optimism: a closed door yielding grander prospects.