Murphys Taverns, Stoke Newington

The British Oak was a run-down but distinguished late Victorian public house marked on the 1894 Ordnance Survey map of Stamford Hill. When it ceased to operate as a pub, it lay vacant for two years until Planning Application was submitted in 2001 to convert it into a jewellery workshop, employing nineteen people, with two flats above. Within the year, a second application was submitted to turn it into a community centre and school' for the Beltz Orthodox community - operating through the 'Before Trust'. Approval was given for this use in 2002. in September 2002, the Trustees of the school authorised the demolition of the pub building. A letter from Tom McCourt of Hackney Planning Department confirmed that this was illegal.