It was a cause for celebration: “London’s historic George Tavern venue has been saved,” read an NME headline in February 2019. After years of campaigning, the Stepney Green pub and gig venue secured a rare protection against noise complaints. Kate Moss had been photographed wearing a “Save the George Tavern” T-shirt while Amy Winehouse (a regular), Ian McKellen, all four of the Rolling Stones and Justin Timberlake had offered public support. Pints flowed and locals crowdsurfed. Except the war, it seems, is never quite won – and the George has become a microcosm of the broader threats from developers to music venues in 2023.
The struggle dates back to 2002. The George Tavern was up for sale and artist Pauline Forster was the only bidder that wanted to preserve its history. Originally the Halfway House, a coaching inn in the 17th century, the derelict Grade II-listed building was being considered by developers to squeeze flats out of. Forster won by offering the agent cash, even though she didn’t have it, and three days later moved in with her five sons before finding a mortgage. She never intended on becoming a publican. “I didn’t even know how to pull a pint,” she says. “I bought it for its potential as a studio but the bar was just sitting there, ready to go.”
