Publicans are expecting an “enormous boost” when the Tour de France visits the area next month 

The race route will take in High Road, Woodford Green, and Woodford New Road after riders arrive from Epping Forest and head for central London, via Waltham Forest, on July 7.

The race is expected to arrive at 2.40pm after thousands have gathered along the route and publicans are hoping they will be looking to quench their thirst in nearby watering holes.

Scott Randall, owner of Travellers Friend in High Road, Woodford Green, has arranged a family event to mark the occasion.

He said: “We will have a barbeque, a bouncy castle, a jazz band are coming too, so it will be a great community event which will boost our trade.”

“We are expecting a few thousand people to be milling around on the day. The fact transport is stopping will attract more people to our pub.

“It will be a tremendous and enormous event for everyone. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Jennifer Uzice, a supervisor at The George in Woodford New Road, South Woodford, is expecting a busy day.

She said:  “It will definitely be an enormous boost for our business.

“It will help massively with bringing the money in.

“Any crowd is a good crowd for us. These types of events really help local businesses with trade.

“We plan to have an area outside the pub for people to watch it and it promises to really bring the community together.”

All Saints Church and Woodford Wells Club in Monkhams Lane, Woodford Wells, will both open their doors to the community for the day, offering a a café, toilets and TV screens.