Closing in 2004 this Grade II listed Hansel & Gretel-like house makes for a beautiful site standing battered and ravaged by time, adjacent to the until recently also derelict football ground that shares its name.

Urban exploring ignited my passion for London Pub Exploring a dozen years ago and as much as I love photographing such achingly neglected architecture, the pub enthusiast in me yearns for this treasure to live again.

It has a fascinating history and parts of the building date back to the 15th century. Since closure its future has been in a state of flux. However, good news pub fans! It is going to reopen after the London Borough of Newham approved planning permission for a pub, restaurant and hotel on the side. Needless to say this is exciting news and like local residents here devoid of any pub life, I’m ecstatic.

However, I’m erring on the side of caution. With developments of this size and expense there are often false dawns before action, or sometimes nothing happens at all. To understand economies of scale, depending on if there are structural issues or problems with the roof, a Victorian Gin Palace done properly costs between £750k - £1.5m to bring back to its full splendour. The budget for this historic pub, that is thought to have once been a hunting lodge used by Henry VIII, will likely be several times that figure. With the impact of Coronavirus on the economy this project could well be put on ice.

Personally I’m not sure the area needs a 68 room hotel as there are many options on nearby Romford Road. Regardless, I’m just pleased that somebody wants to breath life into a pub in an area who’s star is very much on the rise. The Victorian backstreets here are a joy to stroll around and the history of the area is unrivalled enjoying a strong Tudor connection.

I’m praying this happens. Hopefully, in a year or so, now that breakaway club Clapton FC are returning to the Old Spotted Dog Ground, I’ll stroll over to E7 on Non-League Day. With the blazing sun on my back, I’ll enjoy a pint or two in this pub and give the Tons a cheer on the pitch. Then gradually heading home, I’ll stop off for refreshment at a few other old friends on the way back.

The simple pleasures in life really aren’t too much to ask for. Are they?