A former Wetherspoons pub in Wanstead is on track to reopen in early 2025 - in spite of problems with squatters at the building.
Police said they were "made aware" of squatters at The George, in High Street, Wanstead, shortly after its closure as a JD Wetherspoon pub on October 13.
The pub - set to reopen as The George & Dragon under new owners Urban Pubs & Bars - has recently confirmed on social media it will open in early 2025.
This is despite the Met Police being called out to reports of squatters at the property.
READ MORE: Paul Donovan on Wetherspoon closing the George in Wanstead
A spokesperson for the force told this paper that officers spoke with the squatters but that no criminal offences were apparent.
They added that the owners had been advised it was a "civil matter".
New owners Urban Pubs & Bars has declined to comment on the squatters or the exact opening date, but this paper understands that it is still aiming to open in early 2025.
Refurbishment works are already underway, and scaffolding has been pictured around the historic building.
The George's closure as a Wetherspoons pub sparked a "Save the George" campaign - including a petition signed by more than 3,000 residents and patrons to stop it shutting.
Urban Pubs & Bars has promised that it will reopen the "much-loved" boozer as a "great London traditional pub", serving classic pub food and a selection of beers.
In a Facebook post announcing the early 2025 opening, the pub said: "Coming soon to Wanstead, The George and Dragon will be proud to serve the local community British pub food and a great selection of beers."
The pub was formerly known as The George & Dragon Inn when it was built in 1716, and was renamed as The George in 1904.
Wanstead Village councillor Paul Donovan previously said: "What the last few months of activity around the Save the George campaign have shown is how important it is to have somewhere warm, where people can go for some reasonably priced food and drink.
"It must be hoped that the new owners, Urban Pubs & Bars, remember these important community aspects in running a pub in the area."
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