A pub which has in the past played host to some of the world’s biggest bands says it is hoping to revive the local music scene. 

The Red Lion, in High Road, Leytonstone, hosted one of Led Zeppelin’s first ever gigs and can also count Roxy Music, Genesis and Yes among its visitors.

But nowadays it enjoys a slightly quieter life, with the quality of its ales and the friendly service its main attractions.

General Manager James Chitty said: “Faceless chain pubs aren’t inviting, they’re not cosy, they’re not offering anything personal or anything to the community – that’s where we step in.

“Our big beer list is part of what we offer that others don’t – all our ales are guest ales on a permanent rotation and after we finish one cask we put on something completely different.”

Mr Chitty said he hoped the pub would soon be able to refurbish the once famous upstairs ballroom and host local bands - but until then he insisted there is plenty going on to keep patrons entertained.

He said the old style pub was an outdated concept and now pubs have to be family friendly and have food and a garden.

He said the beer, which comes from independent London breweries and craft breweries, offers something people can’t usually get in the area and that they were open to putting anything new on if it was different.

He added that the bar slightly resembles a living room, but in all the right ways – reclaimed furniture, well-loved wooden floor boards and real roses on every table.

The pub also hosts a weekly quiz, Sunday acoustic sessions and serves traditional Sunday roasts.