Live Music — Pubs in Romford

The Golden Lion

2 High Street, Romford RM1 1HR

This Grade II listed building dates back to the 15th century and claims to be the oldest inn in England that has been in continuous use as a pub. Francis Bacon is listed as one of the pub's former owners. The main bar area used to be dimly-lit, but has now been brightened-up, and the ceiling is supported by ancient wooden beams. Televisions on two walls show sports fixtures. Food is served in the public bar and there is also a separate restaurant area upstairs.

Crowning Angel

87-89 South Street, Romford RM1 1PA

Street-corner, Yates's pub in town centre. Opened in November 1997.

The Wheatsheaf

Wheatsheaf Road, Romford RM1 2HD

Suburban pub dating from the 1930s, with some unusual features including an arcaded loggia. Two separate rooms, with medium-sized public bar on the left which used to be two rooms and an off-sales, small saloon on the right. Original features include dark wood beams, plain wood panelling, bar-back and counter. Local custom.

The Victoria

122 Victoria Road, Romford RM1 2PA

Two-storey, cream detached local.

The Lamb

5 Market Place, Romford RM1 3AB

The Ship, Gidea Park

93 Main Road, Romford RM2 5EL

More than 250 years old, this Grade II listed split-level pub has extensive dark wood panelling, timber beams and huge fireplaces. The building is largely unchanged and has low ceilings in places - so duck or grouse! It is a family-run business with quiz nights held on Thursdays and there is live music on Saturdays.

The New Inn, Gidea Park

41a Squirrels Heath Lane, Romford RM2 6DP

Late 19th century-built traditional local pub with a sizeable clientele of regulars, but also popular with families in summer due to the large play area in the garden. Live sports TV is heavily featured. Although quite small and cosy inside, the pub has two gardens, one of which is a patio area that can house a marquee for functions, while the other is much larger with parasol seating in an area of decking leading to a large lawn with trees, benches and the play area.

Deer's Rest, Harold Hill

Noak Hill Road, Romford RM3 7LL

Late 17th century pub, renamed in May 2019 despite a petition against the change. Much-extended and modernised, the original portion of the building is identified by the four-centred arch windows. As recently as the 1960s a caged real bear was kept in addition to a menagerie of other smaller animals and birds. The pub's history is not reflected in any of the decor, which is modern and rather corporate. Large and multi-roomed, there are TV screens in most areas, though there is a TV-free zone albeit with few tables. Although family-friendly, there is a child-free area.

Saxon King, Harold Hill

Petersfield Avenue, Romford RM3 9PP

Havering Well, Rush Green

Rush Green Road, Romford RM7 0QA

Reopened in January 2019 after being closed since July 2018. A large, busy pub which had an emphasis on home-cooked food, sport and entertainment. Meals from an Argentinian Parrilla Grill menu were featured Mon-Sat evenings, and Sunday roasts were served, all of which were available for takeaway and home delivery via Deliveroo & UberEats.

The Sun

47 London Road, Romford RM7 9QA

Spacious pub, just outside the ring-road. Extensive home-cooked food menu. DJs at weekends.