Back in business after a half a million pound refurbishment, The Cuckfield is determined to win back the hearts of the locals, writes Lara Keay.

With places to eat and drink a plenty in Wanstead High Street, The Cuckfield has its fair share of competition.

But since its £500,000 refurbishment at the beginning of the year aimed at remedying complaints of poor service and an awkward bar layout, new manager Ellie Phillips is confident about getting back in Wanstead’s good books.

She said: “We have had to battle with a difficult reputation left by the previous management, as it was in a pretty sorry state when we took over.

“Everything people said to us over the two month feedback period I passed on to the designer, and I think it’s already changed people’s views of us.”

Ellie and her assistant manager Stephen Beattie took over management of the former coach inn last year, bringing a new menu and new look.

The décor cannot be faulted.

The contemporary mix of exposed brick, industrial-style retro lighting and blue interior work incredibly well, and could make you think you are in a trendy bar in Shoreditch rather than a quiet spot on the London Essex border.

While the square bar has been replaced by a more accessible one, the signature conservatory is still there, twinkling in fairy lights and looking out across High Street to Memorial Green.

To start I chose the Sicilian arancini balls served with black garlic mayo (£4.75), which I shared with my guest, who chose the pan fried Padron peppers (£4.50).

The deep-fried mozzarella balls were very tasty, without being too heavy, and the peppers were cooked perfectly.

Our main courses did not live up to the starters, but were still pretty good and not bad value for money.

I chose to build my own beef burger (£10), adding avocado (£1) and barbecue pulled pork (£2), while my guest opted for the quinoa, bulgur wheat and beetroot salad (£8.75).

The sweet pulled pork was delicious, but unless you add one of the more flavoursome toppings, the burger could risk being a bit boring.

Assistant manager Stephen kindly assured my vegan guest that her sweet potato fries side order (£3.75) had been cooked in separate oil away from any meat products, showing good attention to detail.

But the salad lacked a signature dressing and could have done with another element like fruit or chilli to make it more exciting.

With Thursdays being live music night, we were treated to a set by Little Rum Club, who are also regulars at The Cuckfield’s competitors at The George in South Woodford and The Red Lion in Leytonstone.

The duo’s acoustic live lounge-style covers fitted in nicely with the edgy décor and are definitely worth a listen.

The pub’s weekly schedule is pretty full, with quiz nights on Tuesday, burger and a drink for £9 deal on Wednesday, and music bingo on Sundays.

The alcohol selection is not huge, but covers all the basics with a good range of beers on tap and a reasonable house wine selection (Vina Pinto Sauvignon Blanc £19.50 a bottle).

The summer is sure to be a success, with a burger shack and further renovations planned for the extensive beer garden.

Located in easy access of the Central Line at either Snaresbrook or Wanstead stations, The Cuckfield still has a bit of fine tuning to do to make sure the quality of the food matches its trendy atmosphere, but it is a promising start for Ellie and Stephen's gastro pub rebrand.