Pepper’s Ghost on High Road Leyton shut today and will re-open as the Prince of Wales in late March following an ambitious refurbishment

Prince of Wales pub operator Simon Welch, Credit: Star Pubs & Bar

The Pepper’s Ghost pub in Leyton is to undergo a £250,000 refurbishment that will see its revert to its original name of The Prince of Wales.

The pub, which dates back to the 1800s, closed for the works today (30th January) and will reopen in late March.

Leyton resident Simon Welch, who will operate the pub, said: “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 Pepper’s Ghost on 777 High Road Leyton as it looks now. Credit: Star Pubs & Bars

The £250,000 refurbishment comes following investment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and Simon, who is leasing the pub from Star Pubs & Bars. The project will see the pub gain a beer garden, while its covered all-weather alfresco area at the front being 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 also have a comfortable lounge where customers can eat that can be reserved for private parties.

What the Prince of Wales will look like post-refurb. Credit: Star Pubs & Bars

A kitchen refit will mean that homemade food will be on the menu. The Prince of Wales will offer light lunches such as paninis and salads as well as Sunday roasts. The evening menu will include pub classics ranging from scampi to lasagne, while the kitchen will also serve fresh pasta made from scratch on site.

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

Michael Lee, Star Pubs & Bars’ area manager for East London said: “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.”

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