A pub landlord says he is taking on the biggest challenge of his career as he tries to turn around the reputation of a Walthamstow pub.

Archie Campbell described the Lord Raglan as "filthy" when he and his partner took it over with partner Maureen Kinnane in August last year.

The couple, who have 42 years experience in the industry, have focussed their efforts into attracting new customers and regaining community trust.

The 54-year-old will re-open the Shernall Street pub today after it was closed for a month for refurbishment work.

He said: “It was renowned as a darts pub before. It was filthy, dirty and it had a very bad reputation. It wasn’t female-friendly.

“I was asked to take it on while I was at the Queen in the village and I agreed to it if they gave the pub a full refurb.

“The people who were the problem in here before are not welcome anymore and they know I won’t take any trouble from them.

“We gave it a quick makeover and we have already started to attract new customers.”

As well as the refurbishment, an outside seating areas has been added to the front of the pub.

Future plans include the addition of a new kitchen.

The doors will open at midday today and Mr Campbell said: “It’s lovely inside, it’s really beautiful.”