Campaigners are trying to revive Newham’s oldest secular building, which dates back to the 16th century.
Campaigners are trying to revive Newham’s oldest secular building, which dates back to the 16th century.
The original use of The Spotted Dog in Upton Lane, Forest Gate, is unknown with some accounts saying it may have been an inn for drovers bringing live cattle into London.
It has also been reported as being used for kennels for King Henry VIII’s hunting dogs.
Now, 10 years after closing down as a pub, it is on the English Heritage “at risk” register and listed as having a “very bad” condition.
Mark McGlynn, of campaign group Save The Old Spotted Dog, said: “It’s sad to see the place fall into a state of disrepair.
“It’s got a lot of history to it; it was used to host the Stock Exchange during the Great Fire of London.”
It closed down after its owners went into receivership and it was passed into the hands of liquidators.
The group’s vision for the pub is to restore it and re-establish it as a family-friendly food and drink venue with off-road parking and a rear garden.
Mark said: “I remember going there 20 or 30 years ago and the children would play in the garden.
“I would also go there with my wife’s brother and some friends; there would be probably a group of about 30 of us. I also remember local musicians used to play there.”
Mark emphasised the need to keep the pub as a place that is used by the community.
He added that it is not just the views of the group which matter, but also those of people who spent time there and want to see it revived.
The group will be holding a public meeting at Durning Hall Community Centre in Earlham Grove at 7pm on Wednesday next week.
Anyone who wishes to have their say on the future of the pub and hear about the progress of the campaign is invited to attend.
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