The Wanstead Tap on Friday evening was hit by a fire leading to everyone being evacuated and the Fire brigade attending. No one was hurt, and owner Dan Clapton says he has not yet been able to go inside to assess damage.
He did say, though, that if the fire had happened when nobody was there, the whole place would have been burnt down. He has not yet confirmed the cause
Customers and locals for the bar, in Winchelsea Road, have been pledging support and help on social media, and Dan says the venue will return.
In its young life the Tap has become a vibrant location for cultural events, winning several awards and a glittering line-up of guests. Though being closer to Forest Gate than Wanstead High St, the Tap does actually fall within the historic boundaries of Wanstead parish, and has its roots in a craft beer stall which Dan started running at the Wanstead farmers’ market.