A North London pub that helped inspire George Orwell’s Perfect Pub essay is threatened with losing its licence following complaints about noise.

The Compton Arms in Compton Avenue, Islington dates from the 18th century, and its licence is now under review by Islington council following complaints from four householders. They claim the pub is noisy and poorly run with rubbish left in the street.

Supporters of the pub, including North London CAMRA branch members have sprung to the pub’s defence.

George Orwell's son Richard Blair has also joined the fight to save the Compton and has appealed to the council to maintain it as a vibrant pub.

Supporters maintain four complaints is a tiny number and have asked why the householders bought properties close to the Compton Arms if they dislike pubs so much.

The pub is a former Greene King-managed outlet but is now a free house owned by experienced publican Nick Stephens. He has received backing from Islington South & Finsbury MP Emily Thornberry who has written to the council to express her “strong support for this historic landmark and vital community hub.” Ms Thornberry added: “I wouldn’t support further restrictions on the conditions of the famous venue. A hospitable atmosphere has always been the pub’s hallmark.

“I know I speak for the vast majority of local residents when I say we do not want to see any changes imposed on the Compton Arms that will alter its essential character as a pub or affect the historic role it plays in our community or impacts its ability to operate profitability in the current difficult business environment.”

She describes the Compton Arms as “a beloved Islington institution” thanks in part to its popularity with George Orwell.

The writer lived in the Canonbury area of the borough, and it’s thought it was one of three pubs that inspired his essay in the London Evening Standard in 1946 in which he described the mythical Moon Under Water as the perfect pub.

He said it had public, saloon and ladies’ bars with an upstairs dining room. He praised the pub lunch, which cost around three shillings, which came with the “special pleasure of draught stout.”

Orwell added that the pub had neither radio nor piano and was quiet enough to encourage conversation. The barmaids, he said, knew most customers by name and took a personal interest in everyone.

A narrow passage led to a large garden where children’s play equipment was a special feature. The Compton Arms has exactly the same passageway leading to its garden.

Pub owner Nick Stephens says the complaints about the pub are “infuriating and frustrating.”

“Our managers Ester and Nikki have gone to extreme lengths and work their socks off to run the pub considerately and exceptionally.”

Islington council’s licensing committee will consider the complaints and decide on any restrictions at a meeting in mid-September.

The Moon Under Water was the name given to one of the earliest pubs in the Wetherspoon chain in Barnet, North London. It has since changed hands and is now called the Butchers Arms, but Wetherspoon has used the name for 13 of its other pubs. There are also pubs in Canada, the United States and New Zealand with the name.