Every neighbourhood in Waltham Forest is represented by at least one pub, although the neighbourhood most featured is Leytonstone, home to three pubs that made the cut.
Stag & Lantern owner Rob said that, as a CAMRA member, it was “one of his dreams” to be included in the guide but not one he expected to fulfil so soon after opening in April last year.
He said: “Hopefully it’s a sign we are doing something right. I’m a big beer fan so we were always going to have good beer.
“We heard whispers that we were in it but I only got the book in my hands an hour ago to confirm. I imagine we’ll have a celebration.”
Customers outside the Stag & Lantern after it finally opened for real
The micropub was finally ready to open just after the country went into the first Covid lockdown, forcing it to rely on once-a-week deliveries for months.
However, since being able to actually open, Rob said the pub had received a wealth of support from the community.
He said: “I’m a Highams Park resident and had been to a few micropubs over the country and it just seemed like this area was in need of something like that.
“We knew we wanted to become a hub for the community, like old pubs used to be. We’ve started doing music events and having local artists perform.”
A number of the other Waltham Forest pubs included in the guide credited their inclusion to a community ethos and ever-changing selection of beers.
Kieran, manager of Leytonstone’s North Star, in Brown Road, said the pub “tries to keep it pretty simple” by focusing on serving beer in the best condition possible.
Dave, from the Northcote Arms in Grove Green Road, noted the pub he manages is “in it every year”, which he said was hopefully thanks to its “amazing atmosphere”.
He added: “It’s the sort of place where, if people have just moved here and don’t know anyone, they can come here and they are bound to meet people.”
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