An historic Walthamstow pub will reopen next month with new management after refurbishment.


The Chequers in the High Street will open its doors once more on March 7 after being taken over by Antic London.


The up-market chain, which also runs the popular Red Lion in Leytonstone High Road, has spent the last few months renovating the interior of the building after buying it last year.


An Antic London spokeswoman said: "The pub has been re-modelled and will feature two snugs and larger bar and dining area in phase one of its opening, with an event space and a new courtyard area to follow in phase two.


"The hope is to provide an external bakery and other units once the courtyard is finished.


"The pub has been in operation from mid the 18th Century with the courtyard being used as a soup kitchen in the very early 1900s and is deeply embedded in the history of Walthamstow.


"It’s return to the High Street has been welcomed by locals and store holders alike."


Antic runs several pubs in London but was broken up into smaller companies last year, before one firm went into administration, although Antic London was not affected.

The previous managers of Chequers, Rakesh and Anjita Patel, shut the pub in July 2012 just days before a review of its licence following several rows with police.

The Met claimed Mr Patel was an unsuitable person to run a pub following his conviction back in March 2011 for harassing police on the telephone.

They also said the venue was notorious for drug use and dealing.

But the Patels claimed they were unfairly targeted by police after complaining to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) about the force's decision to just caution a man caught throwing bricks through the pub's windows in January 2011.

They decided to close the pub on the grounds that the result of the council hearing was a foregone conclusion and that they would lose their licence.