Niall Horan’s Lavish London Pad: A Pub That’s More Trouble Than It’s Worth
Former One Direction star Niall Horan, now a successful solo artist, has revealed a rather surprising regret about his lavish £10 million London home: the basement pub. The singer, who splashed out on the six-bedroom family residence in a prestigious west London neighbourhood last year, shares the abode with his girlfriend, fashion buyer Amelia Woolley. While the property itself is undoubtedly a dream come true for many, Horan admits that a particular renovation has turned into a bit of a nightmare.
Speaking on the popular chat show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the “Slow Hands” hitmaker confessed that installing a full-blown pub in his basement was “the worst idea I have ever had.” He elaborated that it’s not just a casual bar, but a proper pub designed for social gatherings.
The Pub Predicament: When Closing Time Becomes a Problem
The core of Horan’s frustration lies in London’s licensing laws. Unlike some international establishments that can keep the party going until the early hours, pubs in the capital typically shut their doors around 11 pm. This, according to Horan, leads to an unintended consequence: his guests, finding their night cut short, inevitably end up at his house, looking for a place to continue the revelry.
“Pubs in London shut at 11 pm, there is no 2 am finishes and everyone goes, ‘I wonder where we are going next…'” Horan explained. “So all of a sudden I have a house full of people.” This means his once-private sanctuary has become the go-to spot for after-hours gatherings, a situation he clearly didn’t anticipate when commissioning the basement bar.
Ejecting Guests: The Art of the Subtle Send-Off
With his home now being the unofficial after-party venue, Horan has had to develop some rather effective, albeit slightly cheeky, tactics to usher his guests out. He revealed his ingenious, albeit perhaps less than ideal, method for clearing the house when the party has gone on for too long.
“It’s pretty tough to get people to leave,” he admitted. “I do have a side entrance to the house that I can ferry people out the door.” When pressed for his expulsion strategy, Horan shared his simple yet decisive approach: “I’m pretty good at it, turn the music off and turn the lights off.” This abrupt change in atmosphere is clearly designed to signal that the party is well and truly over, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Beyond the Bar: A Musical Retreat with a Twist
Despite the challenges the pub presents, Horan did mention that a piano graces the basement space. However, he firmly stated that he refrains from singing there, especially after a few drinks. “It’s the last thing I need after I’ve had a few drinks,” he quipped, implying that his singing voice might not be at its best in those circumstances.
The musician’s impressive mansion is reportedly situated in a neighbourhood favoured by other celebrities, with neighbours said to include the likes of Holly Willoughby and the dynamic duo Ant and Dec. This move to a larger property followed his departure from a London penthouse.
A New Chapter with Amelia Woolley
Niall and Amelia, a fashion buyer and marketing professional, have been a couple since 2020, though they kept their relationship under wraps until September 2021. They now share the spacious home and a beloved dog, enjoying what has been described as a “quiet life” in their new, star-studded locale.
Horan also shared the sweet story of how he met Amelia, revealing it was at a dinner party held at his previous home. Despite having mutual friends, they hadn’t crossed paths before. Reflecting on their journey, he noted, “You don’t see those things as big deals but six years later your like that worked.”
“Dinner Party”: An Album Dedicated to Love
In a deeply personal move, the Irish singer recently announced the upcoming release of his fourth studio album, aptly titled “Dinner Party.” What makes this album particularly special is that it is entirely inspired by Amelia. He further revealed that Amelia was quite emotional upon hearing the album, admitting she “did a lot of crying.”
Horan has spoken openly about his contentment with Amelia, describing her as “amazing.” He expressed the profound importance of having a partner to share life’s ups and downs with. “Having someone to rant with and listen to and be listened to is huge. I’m glad I found it,” he said. “And she’s amazing and she’s got her own thing going on. I love the life that we’ve got.”
The Procrastination Partnership
Adding a relatable touch to their domestic life, Horan confessed that he and Amelia share a penchant for procrastination. He described a common scenario: “Friday’ll come and I’ll be like, ‘Can’t wait for the weekend,’ and then Sunday night comes and we’ve done nothing. We spent the whole weekend in the house.”
Battling Health Concerns: A Genetic Predisposition
Beyond the domestic bliss and renovation woes, Niall Horan has also been candid about ongoing health challenges. He has expressed fears of needing a hip replacement due to persistent joint issues. The singer underwent reconstructive surgery on his knee back in 2014, but his joints are reportedly already showing signs of wear and tear.
Speaking on “The Zach Sang Show,” Horan revealed the extent of his concerns. “My knees are fed. The hips are going now too. I think I was just genetically fed from the day I was born,” he stated candidly. He drew a parallel with his father, who at 66 has already had a knee replacement and two hip surgeries. Horan’s uncle has also had both knees replaced, leading the singer to believe there’s a significant genetic component to his family’s joint problems. “My uncle had two knees done. Like, it’s a thing. I think I was just ruined from the day I was born,” he concluded.
