Trendy pub company takes over Railway Tavern by Forest Gate high street
The Railway Tavern in Forest Lane. - Credit: Archant
It could be another sign that the high street in Forest Gate is finally being revived as a trendy pub company takes over a historical venue near the station.
The Railway Tavern on Forest Lane, off Woodgrange Road, has been bought by Antic London, which runs pubs out of some London’s most striking old buildings in areas such as East Dulwich to Clapham.
The company, which is also behind the Red Lion on High Street Leytonstone and known for serving up real ale, has now added the Railway Tavern, which was rebuild in 1925, to its portfolio.
It comes after two after two hip cafes, Coffee7 and Caffeine opened up near Forest Gate station at the beginning of the year.
The Woodgrange Market, selling fresh food and arts & craft is also now open on Fridays and Saturdays along Woodgrange Road.
Coffee7, a community-driven vegetarian café was the brainchild of four of local residents who share the leasehold.
One of them Mic Clarke, who is among campaigners trying to maintain the Victorian low-rise character of Forest Gate and who is about to open up a shop selling arts & crafts and used bicycles next to their cafe welcomed the new owners of the pub.
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Mic said: “We are very happy and all the customers I’ve spoken to are very excited about it. If it’s going to be anything like the Red Lion in Leytonstone which has great beer and atmosphere then it will be a really nice destination. Hopefully it will make local people stay in Forest Gate and we might even get some people making it across Wanstead Flats to come here.”
A spokeswoman for Antic London said they are still putting restoration plans in place after taking over the keys for the Railway Tavern.
She said: “The things I can promise is that it will be a lovely, community orientated pub with real ale, great food and a variety of non intrusive entertainment.
“We like to feature local breweries amongst our suppliers and our customers can look forward to a good selection of well stored ales.”
