One of east London’s most important rock venues where up and coming bands bands including Roxy Music, The Who, Genesis and Status Quo played some of their first gigs in the capital is to reopen after a £750,000 refurbishment. The Red Lion pub in Leytonstone was at the heart of London’s thriving rock scene in the Sixties and Seventies best known for its ballroom space above the bar. It was here in July 1972 that a newly formed pop group played their first single Virginia Plain and set themselves on a path to chart glory.
Eight years earlier the Who had played a four week residency in December 1964, a month before their first TV appearance on Ready, Steady Go brought them before a UK wide audience. Prog rockers Yes appeared in August 1970 and Genesis performed three shows in 1971, while Status Quo were booked for three gigs in August 1972. Oher household name bands on the bill at the Red Lion have included Slade, Hawkwind, and Iron Maiden.
Some sources also claim Led Zeppelin also made their first appearance on stage in London at the Red Lion, but according to music historian Andrew Shields that honour actually goes to the Marquee Club. A pub has existed on the site since 1670 and the Red Lion opened in 1870. The refurbishment by Urban Pubs & Bars restores the ballroom as well as the pub itself, a 10-bedroom boutique hotel, and the beer garden.
The Grand Ballroom has space for up to 350 guests and there is also a second function room with a capacity of up to 70 guests. The beer garden, now has new covered booths and street-art-inspired murals. Following six weeks of restoration, the pub officially reopens to the public on Friday. Chris Hill, Managing Director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “The Red Lion is one of East London’s most beloved pubs, with a history that few can match. From legendary gigs to being at the heart of the community, it has a story worth preserving.
