It’s sad news for London cocktail lovers today; the much-loved Natural Philosopher bar has announced that it will be closing its doors for good. After 11.5 years of serving up delicious drinks and dangerous picklebacks, the bar will run its last service at the end of August. But they’re going out with a bang and hosting a month of events and a big ol’ closing party.
The Natural Philosopher has been a mainstay of London’s bar scene for over a decade. The bar has delighted and surprised regulars and newcomers alike with its hidden location (in the back of a Mac repair shop) and creative drinks menu. Sadly, the current economic climate has made running the bar impossible.
In a statement, Josh and the Natural Philosopher team stated:
“It’s with a heavy heart (and a stiff drink) that we announce:
“The Natural Philosopher will be closing its doors at the end of August.
“After 11.5 years tucked away behind the Mac repair shop on Hackney Road, it’s time for us to wind things down. Running an independent bar in today’s climate has become increasingly difficult
— and despite our best efforts, we’ve reached a point where continuing simply isn’t sustainable.
“This isn’t just a business closing — it’s the end of a place built on memories, shared drinks, quiet corners, botanical curiosities, and a deep love for our community.
“But we’re not going quietly….
“If you’ve ever been part of this space — as a guest, regular, collaborator, supplier, or friend — we’d love you to come by and help us toast to the weird little bar that could.
“Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you visited once or a hundred times, you helped shape this strange and beautiful place. And for that, we’re endlessly grateful.
“With love,
“Josh & The Natural Philosopher Team”
Natural Philosopher closing party
On August 31the Natural Philosopher will swing open its doors for one final service – the last hoorah – from 4pm until well into the early hours of the morning. It’s sure to be a raucous affair, celebrating the bar’s unique history.
Additionallyevery Sunday, the team will be celebrating the London cocktail industry with industry nights where everyone is welcome. These will see the bar hosting guest takeovers and pouring unique cocktails and spirits for punters to enjoy.
Oh, and if you’ve ever wanted to own a piece of London cocktail history, here’s your chance. On Tuesday, August 20, the bar will host an auction and bric-a-brac sale. This one-night only event will see them auctioning off memorabilia, bottles, art, and oddities. They will also be hosting a mini market of other bits and pieces that evening.
What’s next for the space?
It’s unclear what will happen to the unique space, but it is certain that the Natural Philosopher will completely cease operation. In an Instagram post, they make it clear that “There won’t be anyone taking over the space or a continuation of the bar”.
The Natural Philosopher will close for good on Sunday, August 31, 2025. That means you’ve got just over a month to give the bar a proper send-off (and down a pickleback or three).
📍 Head on down to the Natural Philosopher before it closes at 489 Hackney Road, Hackney, E2 9ED.
Inside the MacSmiths Apple Mac repair store. The nearest station is Cambridge Heath.
