Key Points
- Baxter’s Court in Hackney, East London, will permanently close on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
- Locals express disappointment, calling the closure “utterly ridiculous” as East London has few Wetherspoons pubs.
- The pub chain is closing some smaller or older sites while opening new locations elsewhere in the UK.
- The Water Gate in Barnstaple will close on November 9, along with four other Wetherspoons pubs on the market since June.
- Wetherspoons recently signed a franchise deal with The Papas Group to open 15 new pubs, including one in Lincoln at Gateway Park.
- Locals say losing Baxter’s Court feels like “the end of an era.”
What is happening with Wetherspoons in East London?
As reported by a journalist from MyLondon, Baxter’s Court, a popular Wetherspoons pub located in Hackney, East London, will permanently close its doors on Sunday, November 2, 2025. This announcement has sparked strong reactions from residents who feel the closure is “utterly ridiculous” as East London “is hardly blessed with many Spoons to begin with.” The news has been met with disappointment given the pub’s long-standing presence and reputation for affordability.
Why are locals upset about Baxter’s Court closure?
According to an article by the Express, Hackney residents describe the closure as a “shame.” One customer reminisced, “I used to go there loads in college, loved the ‘roof terrace’ upstairs.” Another commenter on Reddit was quoted saying,
“I’ve been going there for years, it’s one of the few affordable places left to meet friends without feeling rushed out. Losing it feels like the end of an era.”
These statements highlight the social importance of Baxter’s Court as a community hub where people gathered affordably, underscoring the emotional impact on local patrons.
Is Baxter’s Court the only Wetherspoons pub closing soon?
No. The Water Gate in Barnstaple is set to close on November 9, 2025. Alongside these two closures, four other Wetherspoons pubs are currently on the market after being put up for sale in June 2025. These include The Kentish Drovers in Peckham, The Babington Arms in Derby, The Grey Friar in Preston, and The William Jameson in Sunderland.
As per a spokesperson for Wetherspoons, the company is “streamlining its portfolio,” aiming to close smaller or older establishments while channeling investments into new sites across the UK.
What is Wetherspoons’ strategy moving forward?
As reported by MyLondon, Wetherspoons recently confirmed a franchise agreement with The Papas Group. This deal will see 15 new pubs open, including one at Gateway Park, Lincoln, on the former site of a Brewers Fayre. Additional new locations are planned in Annitsford, Stockton-on-Tees, and Emersons Green, with all slated to open by the end of November 2025.
The strategy clearly involves refreshing the brand’s footprint by closing less profitable or aging pubs and focusing growth on new markets and franchised operations.
How has Wetherspoons managed pub openings and closures in recent years?
According to an in-depth report by MyLondon, Wetherspoons has been closing smaller or more dated pubs over several recent years while simultaneously opening new sites. This selective approach indicates an effort to modernise their portfolio, targeting areas with greater growth potential or where the brand sees stronger future demand.
The company’s spokesperson emphasised this ongoing portfolio streamlining as a deliberate business decision.
What has been the public and customer response to these changes?
Across social media and local news outlets, many patrons lament losing their favourite local Wetherspoons pubs. As noted by the Express, these venues are cherished for affordable pricing and a unique social atmosphere. Comments such as “losing it feels like the end of an era” reflect a nostalgic attachment to these longstanding pubs.
Additionally, there is frustration among residents of East London, a borough perceived to have limited affordable pub options, about the loss of Baxter’s Court.
How significant is Baxter’s Court to the Hackney community?
Baxter’s Court has been a well-known meeting point in Hackney, appreciated for its affordable pints and meals. The Express detailed that patrons frequently praised its distinctive rooftop terrace and sociable environment. This importance is echoed by frequent customers and local residents who view the pub as more than just a drinking venue but a social landmark.
Its closure marks a notable moment for Hackney’s social scene.
What does the future hold for Wetherspoons and local pubs in Britain?
Wetherspoons’ plan to open 15 new pubs by November’s end indicates ongoing expansion despite the closures of some locations. This approach suggests a shift from maintaining older, possibly less profitable pubs to focusing resources on new developments.
The involvement of franchise partners like The Papas Group also reflects changing business models in Britain’s pub sector, where franchising and modern concepts may play a bigger role.
Wetherspoons continues to evolve its presence in the UK pub market, walking a fine line between closing cherished community pubs and pursuing growth through new openings and franchising deals. For areas like East London, this evolution brings challenges as traditional favourite venues vanish, leaving locals to grapple with what many describe as the end of a local era.
