Niall Horan, the chart-topping musician and former One Direction star, has recently offered a candid glimpse into the less glamorous side of homeownership, particularly when that home is a sprawling London residence reportedly valued at a cool £10 million. While many would envy the luxury of a custom-built pub in one’s own basement, Horan has confessed that this particular renovation project has become his biggest regret.
The revelation came during an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, where the Irish singer detailed the unintended consequences of his subterranean watering hole. Horan, who is gearing up for the release of his fourth solo album, The Show, later this summer and a headline performance at Dublin’s 3Arena, admitted that the dream of a private pub has morphed into a nightly inconvenience.
The Pub Predicament: A London Lockdown Lesson
Horan explained the core of his regret: “We built a pub in the basement. I mean a pub — not a bar — and it has to be the worst idea I have ever had.” The issue, he elaborated, lies in the strict licensing laws governing pubs in London. Unlike the freedom of a private residence, commercial establishments have set closing times.
“Pubs in London shut at 11pm, there is no 2am finishes, and everyone goes ‘I wonder where we’re going next…'” Horan recounted. This early closure of local establishments has led to an unexpected influx of revellers descending upon his Kensington abode precisely when their usual haunts shut their doors.
The result? Horan finds himself playing reluctant host to a steady stream of people looking for an after-hours spot. “It’s pretty tough to get people to leave,” he admitted with a wry smile. While he has a dedicated side entrance to facilitate guest departures, his methods for ushering people out are as practical as they are effective: “I do have a side entrance to the house that I can ferry people out the door. I’m pretty good at it, turn the music off and turn the lights off.”
No Encore After Hours
Despite his own musical prowess and a penchant for impromptu performances, even alongside close mates like Lewis Capaldi, don’t expect Horan to break into song to entertain his late-night visitors. He clarified that his own musical inclinations take a backseat when he’s had a few drinks.
“It’s the last thing I need after I’ve had a few drinks,” Horan joked, implying that his singing voice, much like his guests, might also be better off calling it a night.
Beyond the Basement Blues: Health Concerns
Away from the stresses of his basement pub, Niall Horan has also recently been open about more personal challenges. Earlier this week, he revealed that he is grappling with ongoing medical issues that may necessitate double hip replacement surgery in the near future.
Horan attributed these health concerns to his genetic predisposition, noting that his father has experienced similar problems. This adds another layer of personal consideration for the busy artist as he navigates his flourishing solo career, album releases, and major performances.
The singer’s willingness to share both the humorous mishaps of his renovation projects and the more serious aspects of his health underscores a grounded and relatable persona, endearing him further to his global fanbase. As his career continues to soar, it seems Horan is also learning valuable lessons in domestic management, one late-night visitor at a time.
