A hipster venue that was set up to transform a wasteland in the middle of Old Street roundabout is facing closure after complaints from neighbours in luxury blocks.
The Magic Roundabout is battling to renew its premises licence amid opposition from residents, including some living in the Bezier building that includes penthouse apartments worth £6 million.
The bar, cafe and nightspot opened in 2015 and has hosted house DJ Norman Jay, dubstep pioneer DJ Artwork and indie rock band Foals.
It is also a popular daytime meeting place for the tech entrepreneurs of London’s “silicon roundabout”.
But noise and alleged anti-social behaviour and drug taking from revellers mean it could lose its licence. Some 32 noise complaints have been lodged with Islington council. Residents of the Bezier building have complained of anti-social behaviour, including revellers ripping up plants and urinating into planters.
The venue says that if it is forced to close it will be another victim of complaints from a “minority” about music venues.
“In central London we’re seeing a staggering number of music venues being lost,” said Sarah Holgate, the venue’s creative director.
The decision on whether to renew the licence will be taken by the council’s licensing committee on Monday.
