The Blacksmith and the Toffeemaker, a vegan pub across the street from City, University of London and beloved by students is closing down on Friday 29 March for renovation.
It is closing for six weeks and when it opens again under a new owner, it will still be a pub.
“It’ll just be a name change,” Dan an employee at the pub said.
Although it will still be a pub, students at City will miss the Blacksmith and the Toffeemaker.
“I’m incredibly sad that a pub which has become a City University [of London] institution is shutting down. Particularly because they’re very invested in the university. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder with them last year when the teachers were on strike,” City student, Kahil Desia said.
“I’m so sad the Toffeemaker is closing. It’s a great place to hang out after lectures,” a nursing student said.
Part of its charm is the manager’s dog Stella, who wanders around the pub, greets guests and offers comfort to those who want to pet her.
Stella is even a part of the pub’s branding.
The vegan pub has been on St John Street for five years.
“The current owners of the business are choosing to focus on their other business interests, which are not hospitality related,” Sam, a manager of the pub said.
Although the site is being taken over another pub group with a new name, it may still offer vegan options, according to Dan.
