The Natural Philosopher is to close at the end of August, after 11 and a half years on the Hackney Road in London.
Josh Powell, who has owned the The Natural Philosopher for the last six years, said the bar was closing because the cost of living had impacted guest’ ability to spend, adding that “being an independent hospitality venue feels really unsustainable at the moment”.
He told CLASS: “After 6 years of putting my all in, it also feels like time to pursue other avenues of creativity for myself. Something that will hopefully free up more time for myself.
“The landlord feels it wouldn't be right getting a new bar tenant in the space and wants to do something else with it too.”
Powell intends to “go out with a bang”, with industry nights scheduled for every Sunday in August (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st), and an auction and bar sale taking place Wednesday 20th, 7-10pm.
The owner-operator has called on the industry for help. He said: “If this little bar has ever given you a great night, a laugh, a free shot, a shift, a hug, or a hangover — now’s your chance to give something back.”
“We’re looking for bottles of stock for our final Industry Nights (anything weird, wonderful, or half-drunk welcome also, but mainly looking for sponsors so we can keep prices low for our fellow community). Special bottles or bar bits for our “Buy Yourself a Piece of the Bar” Auction (signed bottles, vintage spirits, rare syrups, etc.) and anything you think deserves a place in one last East London knees-up.”
“This is more than just clearing shelves. It’s about celebrating a bar that’s been part of the scene for over a decade — a weird, wonderful little corner that somehow survived pandemics, economic chaos, and god knows what else… until now.”