HISTORIC LEYTON PUB CLOSES FOR MAJOR REFURBISHMENT

A prominent Leyton pub is set for a £250,000 refurbishment to give it a new lease of life.

The investment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and Leyton resident Simon Welch will transform Pepper’s Ghost on the High Road into a top notch traditional local serving freshly prepared food and add a brand new 70-seater rear garden.

Marking its change of direction, the pub – which dates back to the 1800s – will revert to its original name of The Prince of Wales. The pub closed for the works on 30^th January and will reopen in late March creating eight new jobs.

Hackney born-and-bred Simon helps to run two popular pubs in Upper Clapton – The Royal Sovereign and The Anchor & Hope. Says Simon – who lives five minutes from Pepper’s Ghost: “It’s a beautiful old building, it’s been sad to see it lose its way. The area is crying out for a great quality local. I want to make The Prince of Wales somewhere residents are proud of – a community hub that is an asset to Leyton. The atmosphere will be relaxed so that everyone feels at home – whether coming in a group or on their own. There’s been lots of support for the plans and calling it The Prince of Wales again”

The project will renovate and repaint the pub’s exterior highlighting details such as the distinctive decorative mouldings and enhancing the neighbourhood. The covered all-weather alfresco area at the front will be revamped with smart new furniture, planters and festoon lighting, whilst a second larger garden will replace part of the car park at the back.

The internal makeover will upgrade the pub throughout with a warm, welcoming décor that brings out its character, retaining and restoring features like old timber flooring, banquette seating and original ornate iron columns. In keeping with the building’s age, the redesign will incorporate heritage colours, wood paneling and vintage lighting. Pictures charting the history of the pub and Leyton will adorn the walls. The Prince of Wales will have a spacious bar for drinks and socialising plus a comfortable lounge where customers can eat and that can be reserved for private parties.

A kitchen refit is enabling Simon to introduce homemade food. The Prince of Wales will offer light lunches (like paninis and salads) as well as hearty Sunday roasts. The evening menu will include pub classics ranging from scampi to lasagne. Authentic Italian cuisine – using fresh pasta made from scratch at the pub – will be a specialty.

Complementing the food, The Prince of Wales will stock an extensive choice of drinks spanning craft beers, cask ales, interesting wines and cocktails. Simon is installing a barista coffee machine, and hot drinks will be available throughout the day along with afternoon cakes.

In terms of entertainment, open mike nights, live music and DJs are all on the cards.

Comments Michael Lee, Star Pubs & Bars’ area manager for East London: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Simon to revitalise such a well-known Leyton pub. As a local resident he is passionate about creating a great pub for the town and knows just what people want. Having helped to turn round two other nearby pubs and with more than 20 years in the hospitality trade, he’s just the person for the job.”