Altar officially opens its doors tonight (23rd October), bringing a late-night bar, record shop and 100-capacity basement club all under one roof to Leytonstone, writes Marco Marcelline
A new live music venue has opened today (23rd October) in Leytonstone, almost two-and-a-half years after the closure of the much-loved Luna Lounge.
Altar officially opened its doors at 7 Church Lane tonight, bringing a late-night bar, record shop and 100-capacity basement performance space all under one roof to E11.
The venue is run by a team of music and hospitality specialists, including Simon Singleton, founder of the local Shake The High Road festival, Jon Clifford of Dreamhouse Records, music industry veteran Toby L, and the team behind Leyton bars Leyton Calling and Chop Shop Tavern.
Luna Lounge closed for good in July 2024, having operated for close to 20 years as a popular grassroots music venue in the area.
Under founder Suja Khaled, Luna Lounge became known for its eclectic programming, spanning genres from jazz and metal to folk, punk and DJ nights.
Khaled died in 2021, and the venue subsequently faced financial difficulties and licensing disputes before closing following an unsuccessful £75,000 crowdfunding appeal in 2024.
When the new operators were appointed by Waltham Forest Council earlier this year, they outlined plans to transform the council-owned building into a cultural hub, combining live music with opportunities for local residents to engage with the arts.
Downstairs, Altar’s basement venue has an industrial-style interior and a new sound system, with plans for live gigs, club nights, film screenings and arts events.
Upstairs, the bar features 1970s-inspired decor, bespoke cocktails and a hot dog menu, including Banh Mi and Currywurst variations.
A small record shop, run in partnership with Leytonstone’s Dreamhouse Records, stocks new and second-hand vinyl alongside merchandise. It will also host new-release events and listening sessions.
The Altar team has pledged to support emerging talent, with plans to offer free rehearsal space for young local musicians at selected times, alongside recording and podcasting facilities and mentoring opportunities.
The new operators previously told the Echo they want to “retain Luna’s openness and musical diversity” while building a financially sustainable business.
And speaking ahead of the opening today, the team said: “Leytonstone has had music in its bones for years. Altar is about giving that a proper home, somewhere you can pick up a record, catch a gig, or just settle in with a drink, and always feel part of something.”
Find out more about Altar’s exciting line-up of events here
Read more: The fight to keep late night music alive in Leytonstone
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