Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Bart and Homer visit their local shopping mall to find that a Starbucks has replaced every single shop?

As a satire on the stifling of choice and individuality in favour of rampant capitalism the gag cracks you up every time. But when a similar ethos is being applied to one of the best-loved bars in Shoreditch it's time to stand up and take notice.

Love it or hate it, The Dragon Bar - with graffiti toilets, low lighting and cutting-edge turntable action - has provided a relaxed, friendly, 'NY dive'- inspired drinking den for many local regulars for more than ten years.

But all this could change with the news that Islington Council plans to close the bar down (along with their gallery and adjoining sandwich shop), so that it can build seven luxury flats on the site. Safe to say that if this goes through, the Dragon Bar won't be the only thing to change.

So if the thought of Starbucks and penthouse flats on Leonard Street gets your back up, now's probably the time to say so.