The Leytonstone Tavern is coming soon

The paint’s barely dry on the reopened Coach & Horses, but the team behind Leyton’s latest pub refurb, who also own The Duke in Wanstead, have already started work on the third boozer in their fast-growing pub portfolio, this time in Leytonstone.

Built in 1865, Harrow Road landmark the Woodhouse Tavern was saved from demolition in 2012 and then set to relaunch as a wine bar in 2015 under the questionable new name the Larj Lounge. It opened (very briefly) then shut again, with no word from the owners. Rumours abounded that the 150-year-old pub was to be turned into flats or a supermarket.

Fast-forward three years and happily the Woodhouse Tavern is reopening in September as a “pub and dining room” under the new name of the Leytonstone Tavern and work is well underway on the restoration project.

In good news for lovers of classic pub style, original features including the exterior tiles, etched windows and wood paneling in the lounge bar, are being kept where possible.

While the new owners are keeping quiet about their plans for now, fans of The Duke will be pleased to hear that “there will be similarities to The Duke, and some things quite different too.” Cryptic!

No doubt there will be craft beer, cocktails and, with “saviours of cider” Hawkes involved too, lots of apple-based alcoholic drinks, plus a strong food offering with an emphasis on seasonality and local producers well represented.

Main image: Leytonstone Tavern/ Facebook