BackBar - Booze Culture Distilled

THE FOUNDRY IN SHOREDITCH SET FOR DEMOLITION

The Foundry in Shoreditch, London is set to be demolished to make way for an 18 storey hotel. This is indeed sad news, for anyone who has had the experience of boozing in the alternative Pub / Gallery. Hackney council have approved plans for the tare down, despite efforts from protesters who argue that it plays a unique and vital artsy function in the London borough.

The former bank building originally started life as an art gallery, where any artist regardless of experience could exhibit free of charge. A bar opened shortly after, to cover expenses of the owners. Although the basement galleries were always seen as the biggest draw for creative types. Many up and coming artists staged shows there including Pete Doherty and Kate Nash

One piece of The Foundary that will live on however, is the handy work of British street artist Banksy. His six-meter high painting of a rat with a knife and fork is set to be preserved during the demolition. With it finding a new home in one of the proposed public galleries on the ground floor of the hotel. Read more @ The Guardian

Wish i'd called in for a last pint when i was home in December.... Bugger!