The kitchen manager of a pub said he wants to provide a platform for local talent and use its function room to "its full potential" as it is refurbished.

The stage has been enlarged in the room, at Plough and Harrow pub, in High Road, Leytonstone.

While it has been open for two years, it is currently in the process of being repainted, new furniture installed, and a sound and lights system.

Kitchen manager, Tom Abernethy, said he hoped the programme of events will give local bands and comedians a chance to perform.

The 28-year-old said: “We want to provide a platform for local talent so I am going to hold weekly talent shows here with a £200 prize for the winner.

“It is generally the way pubs are going, you can’t just offer drinks to be successful as a pub, you need to offer more such as good food and live music.

“This is why we are increasing our capacity for live music in the function room, it has already been open for two years but we are hoping to use it to its full potential.”

The kitchen has been reopened with a new menu featuring a pie of the day, curries and pasta, with roasts on Sunday.

Mr Abernethy said the function room would also be used as a pop-up restaurant with a different theme each month.

He said: “The first month in March will be an around the world theme and we are hoping to do a Caribbean and Asian themes later in the year too.

“There is such tough competition between pubs in Leytonstone but we want to establish ourselves as the main venue for live music.”