Wanstead MP John Cryer has this week proposed a motion in the House of Commons lamenting the decision to auction celebrated Soho pub the Gay Hussar.
Meanwhile, a bit closer to home, there has been continued debate about what is to become of the Duke of Edinburgh pub at the top (bottom?) of Nightingale Lane.
Purveyor of local ales, the Wanstead Tap, has been trying to lure Antic London into getting interested in the site. The company operates the Red Lion in Leytonstone and a number of other celebrated pubs across London.
However, it seems someone else has got there first
Wouldn't I be really lovely if @Antic_London came and had a look at the empty pub in Wanstead…. #hinthint
— The Wanstead Tap (@TheWansteadtap) November 5, 2013
@TheWansteadtap its been sold to a restaurant as far as we know.
— Antic London (@Antic_London) November 5, 2013
• The text of Mr Cryer’s motion “notes that the Gay Hussar has played an important role in the culinary, political and journalistic life of the capital for more than 60 years and as such is an important national institution; and applauds any initiative, including a possible diners’ and staff co-operative venture, as a means of keeping the Gay Hussar alive for future generations of rebels and Rabelaisians to enjoy.”
A Rabelaisian is someone who indulges in bawdy humour. Whoopee cushions, perhaps.
• The Wanstead Tap, meanwhile, is to open a pop-up shop in Wanstead Shoreditch from Nov 25.