The King Edward VII, one of Stratford’s oldest surviving pubs, will reopen its doors on Saturday 5 September following a major investment by Stonegate Pub Partners and experienced publican William Farrell.
The iconic East London venue, affectionately known by locals as “The King Eddie”, has undergone an extensive refurbishment after being closed since January.
Guests can expect a carefully restored traditional pub that celebrates the building’s rich heritage while offering modern amenities, live sport, entertainment and a new food menu.
The reopening marks the latest venture for William and his business partner Charlie, who already operate four successful pubs across Essex and are preparing to take on a fifth venue in Colchester.
For William, however, The King Edward VII is particularly special.
Born and raised in East London, with strong family connections to Stratford, he said: “I’ve always loved this part of London and The King Edward VII is a pub unlike anything else in Stratford. So much of the area has changed over the years, but this building has retained its character and history.
“It’s a proper East End pub. You walk through the door and immediately see the original features, from the tiling to the flooring, and that’s something we’re determined to preserve. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the local community back in and bringing this historic pub back to life.”
The pub has benefited from substantial refurbishment works, including roofing repairs, a complete refresh of the interior, re-sanded bar areas, new furnishings and the full re-instatement of the trade kitchen.
Once the kitchen is operational, guests will be able to enjoy a menu of traditional East End pub favourites, including pie and mash, ham, egg and chips, sandwiches and burgers. To celebrate the launch of the food offering, the pub plans to offer 50% off selected dishes.
The reopening celebrations will begin on Saturday 5 September, with West Ham United’s Championship clash with Derby County shown live from 12:30pm. Guests can also enjoy music from returning DJ Russy B throughout the day, while West Ham legend Tony Cottee will make a special guest appearance for a meet and greet with fans. The pub will be open from 11am to 8pm, offering a lively matchday atmosphere alongside great food and drink.
Looking ahead, the pub will host live music every weekend and a monthly comedy night, creating a lively social hub for Stratford residents alongside a packed schedule of live sport, including West Ham United fixtures throughout the season.
William added: “The King Eddie was always a proper community pub and that’s exactly what we want it to be again. It’s too good a building, with too much history, to sit empty. We want people popping in for a pint after work, coming down to watch the football, enjoying the live music and catching up with friends. The pub has been part of Stratford’s story for generations and we’re proud to be giving it a new chapter.”
Believed to be the oldest surviving pub building in Stratford, The King Edward VII dates back to the early 18th century. Originally known as The King of Prussia, the pub was renamed in the early 20th century and has remained a local landmark ever since.
The venue retains many historic features, including original tiling, etched glass and period flooring. One particularly unusual window still features an etched outline of a German soldier wearing a traditional pointed helmet, offering a glimpse into the pub’s fascinating past. Its distinctive Victorian exterior, complete with low doorways and bay windows, continues to make it one of Stratford’s most recognisable buildings.
The King Edward VII will also be dog friendly and welcomes visitors with four-legged companions.
The pub officially reopens on Saturday 5 September, with residents invited to come along and see the transformation for themselves.