East London Food & Culture

Just opened: the Leyton Star

'I might as well move in,' sighs Miranda Eason, who gives us a guided tour of the refurbed pub's delights
Exterior is
Classy: exterior. Photo: PR

Last week The Leyton Star finally took down the window coverings and opened its doors to reveal the results of the former King Harold’s extensive makeover. It was worth the wait.

Before you even step inside, the exterior paint job, simple graphic swing sign, colourful hanging baskets and etched windows reading set a welcoming tone.

The new dining room. Photo: PR
The new dining room. Photo: PR

Inside, the main room has been completely opened out. There’s a huge central bar, with what I’m calling a booze island in the middle, stocked with all your summer Aperol spritz drinking needs and, in one of those quirky touches that regularly pop up in Star pubs, topped with a stuffed creature.

Beers on tap include Camden Hells, Goose Island and local boys Signature Brew. A pint and a glass of wine is less than a tenner – standard east London these days pricing.

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The woodwork, of which there’s a lot, is painted a handsome shade of blue and there’s some exposed brickwork for good measure. Artwork is a seemingly random selection, including some abstract stuff and a drawing of a fox, which looks a bit like the one I see wandering around Leyton if I’m up particularly early of a morning. Seating is a mix of standard pub issue tables and chairs and tall bar stools.

Cosy
Cosy with covered booths beyond.

Out back? There’s a sizeable terrace that’s an afternoon suntrap, furnished with open-to-the-elements picnic tables and, in case of showers, lots of covered booths. There’s also a couple of kitsch golden trees, strung with lights, because, well, why not, I suppose, plus some large planters for a touch of greenery.

Local burger flippers We Serve Humans are in charge of the food. Until the kitchen is fully up and running (any day now) they’ve been offering a limited menu cooked on a barbecue outside. Currently you can choose from The Chairman, We Serve Humans’ take on the cheeseburger (£8) or Mac The Ripper, the vegetarian-friendly deep-fried mac and cheese in a bun (£7).

The garden
The garden at night.

Throughout the week there are various offers and entertainment. Tuesday saw the inaugural pub quiz: it’s £2 per person in, with a £50 prize for the winning team. Kicking off at 8pm, questions covered everything from chemical elements to the Kardashians. For those of you that missed it, here’s a question for you to ponder. What do the letters in the following sentence stand for? D S of the M was P F 8th a.*

All in all, I’m very happy with my new local, which makes the probability of me ever doing Dry January even less likely than it was before. I’m looking forward to trying We Serve Humans’ take on Sunday lunch and I hear tell of a karaoke room upstairs. I might as well move in TBH.

Find The Leyton Star at 116 High Road Leyton, E15 2BX. Open 4pm – 12am Monday – Thursday; 4pm – 1am Friday; 12pm – 1am Saturday; 12pm – 12am Sunday. Keep up to date with all things Leyton Star here @leytonstar

*Answer: Dark Side of the Moon was Pink Floyd’s 8th album.

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