Despite the rapidly diminishing volume of live music sites across London, a deal has been done to ensure that there is one venue that is here to stay for the duration. Situated in Stratford, East London, there cannot be too many Metal fans who will not have heard of the Cart & Horses pub.
This iconic music establishment has been a mainstay of the Heavy Metal scene for decades, outlasting other local rock and Metal havens such as the Bridge House Tavern in Canning Town and the Ruskin Arms in East Ham.
There was, however, some doubt over the future of The Cart.
With ever-increasing property and land values in London, the birthplace and spiritual home of Heavy Metal monoliths Iron Maiden was at serious risk of redevelopment. This threat has now been abated after the venue’s current incumbent, Kastro Pergjoni, obtained the lease on the pub, ensuring its long-term future as one of East London’s major music hot-spots.
Pergjoni, who has been running the Cart & Horses since 2016, purchased a 999-year lease, along with his business partner, for an undisclosed sum.
“Next week is a year since the start of this fight,” Kastro told MetalTalk, “but the most important thing is that the venue is not in the hands of someone that doesn’t care about live music.”
In a statement posted on social media, the Cart & Horses management team reads:
“Thank you all for your unwavering support in helping us secure Cart & Horses from falling into the wrong hands! This legendary pub, rich in history, is safe for now, but the real battle begins to keep it open and thriving.
“We’d like to extend a special thank you to Music Venue Trust (MVT), Iron Maiden FC, Local community, Bands that played here and our Family & Friends who provided invaluable advice and support throughout this process. It’s moments like these when you realize that some fights are truly worth fighting for.
“Now, it’s up to all of us Fans, Locals, and Music lovers alike to help us keep (NOT JUST) this pub alive by visiting, attending events, and spreading the word around.
“Together, we can keep this iconic venue thriving.
“Thank you once again for standing by us. Let’s make sure Cart & Horses stays NOT just the home of rock ‘n’ roll but OUR LOCAL too.”
As expected, there was a massive show of love and support upon the revelation that the venue’s future was secured.
With over 1000 pubs and clubs closing in London since the lifting of Covid restrictions, this was an important victory in the battle to retain London’s live music scene.
You can keep up to date with gigs at the Cart & Horses at their MetalTalk Venue Page or at the website, www.cartandhorses.london, where you can also find out dining options (they do fantastic burgers) and merch.
