Sir Ian McKellen Granted Permission to Repair Historic Pub Balcony
Actor's 16th-century London pub, The Grapes, will undergo repairs to its rear balcony and stairs due to deterioration from its riverside location.
Sir Ian McKellen has received approval to carry out necessary repairs to a damaged balcony and stairs at his 16th-century pub, The Grapes, located in Limehouse, east London. The actor, widely known for his role as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, purchased the Grade-II listed public house approximately 15 years ago. The venue, situated on Narrow Street and backing onto the River Thames near Canary Wharf, requires structural attention due to its exposure to the elements.
A planning application was submitted to Tower Hamlets Council detailing the need for "emergency repair works to rear elevation balcony including timber supports and repairs to existing foreshore access stairs." The application outlined a "conservation-led repair strategy" to address the deterioration of the timber, which has been affected by "salt-laden air" and prolonged exposure to moisture.
The structural heritage assessment accompanying the application highlighted the historical significance of The Grapes, noting that a tavern has existed on or near the site since the late 16th century. The current building largely reflects eighteenth-century rebuilding characteristic of riverside commercial properties, with construction primarily using load-bearing masonry and timber structures. The assessment further explained that the rear balcony and associated timber fire-escape stairs form part of the building's riverside terrace and provide essential circulation and secondary escape routes.
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council confirmed that listed building consent had been granted for the proposed works, ensuring that repairs will be conducted in a manner that maintains the building's historic integrity and the "maritime character of the Limehouse riverfront." The repairs will involve reusing historic timber where possible to preserve the pub's original features.