So at the end of last year we mentioned that Filly Brook – the hit cafe/bar/whatever pop-up right next to Leytonstone tube station – was looking for a permanent spot on Grove Green Road. Their hope was to open a bar, “creative space” and microbrewery. Nice!
But, as Marmelo Kitchen have also found out recently in their attempt to open another outlet, the permission bit was the fiddly thing, of course.
“We haven’t got our planning approval or license yet,” said Simon, understandably frustrated in back in December. “Obviously the planning application is online, and so available for everyone to view. Until we hear back from the planning and licensing departments we won’t know what will and won’t be approved – and so can’t say with any certainty what the new Filly Brook will look like.”
Well the good news is that this week they got it.
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Not familiar with the concept? Set up by brothers Simon and James Purnell along with friend Johann Dumelie, the original intriguingly-named Filly Brook (which takes its moniker from a local buried stream) was a cute multi-purpose hangout, around just eight weeks.
“I’ve been living in Leytonstone for five years now,” said Simon before they opened. “So when the temporary space by the tube became available it was the perfect opportunity to turn an idea into a reality. Like most people in the area, we’re very passionate about where we live, and so wanted to bring something a bit different to our rapidly changing part of town.”
Despite the limitations of the space, it proved more than your usual café or bar, with our verdict at the time being that “the food and drink live up to the stylish surroundings”.
As well as local ales, wine was selected by Noble Rot magazine, and barista coffee from Caravan.
Music played a key part, too. Simon is a proper industry professional: he’s programmed the Lovebox festival, produced radio shows for Radio 1 and currently is head honcho at Z Records for Joey Negro. A vintage turntable was in situ, with specially curated playlists lending the bar an “all back to mine” feel.
And the experience of the other two was significant, too: Johann has managed watering holes in Hackney including the Cock Tavern on Mare Street, while James has co-owned the Bridge and Tunnel club in Shoreditch, and also worked with Chatsworth Road market in Clapton.
So watch the old Army Cadets hut on Grove Green Road. And we’ll be speaking to the boys again nearer the opening to keep you posted.
This article was updated on 10th February 2017
