The pub’s temporary closure led to many missing out on its annual Christmas atmosphere.

By Bobby Wazzo

There was no Christmas cheer at the Miller’s Well, East Ham, on its final evening, 29 October. J.D.Wetherspoon inflicted its second pub closure in Newham.

The company had just raised a glass to its first full year profit since the pandemic, reaching £42m with sales rising just under 11%. That follows losses of £230m over the last three years so there is some rationale to selling off poorly performing outlets.

But the loss of the Miller’s, and particularly the Hudson Bay in Forest Gate, hit hard the many tolerant and diverse members of their local communities who relied on the Wetherspoon pubs for good honest grub, as well as a pint of real ale, now becoming rare in the Borough as ‘craft’ gassed up beers at inflated prices take over.

One real ale supporter thought he should show solidarity, and travelled down from Manchester especially.

Jamie Kent, pictured above, had already visited 842 Wetherspoon pubs and needed to tick off the Miller’s before it went. He said: ‘“The atmosphere tonight is pretty poor, but I am sure it is normally much better. There are characters here who are trying their best to cheer things up but there are only a few hours left.”

However, the pub has since re-opened under new management. Many of the handpumps have been removed and keg beers installed. But great news is that the carpet has stayed!

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