It has been almost nine years since renowned Walthamstow gig venue The Standard closed its doors for the final time.

The venue, near Blackhorse Road underground station, was a part of the area’s social life for more than 150 years, beginning life as a beer house circa 1840, set in what was then a very rural Walthamstow.

As the Royal Standard, it was a rival to nearby beer house The Ferry Boat, who tried to scupper the Standard’s spirit licence application on at least one occasion in the 1850s.

The then owner William Devon left for the Old Lock in Tottenham, and the Royal Standard was then run by a succession of families.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

An Ordnance Survey map published in 1870 showing the location of the Royal Standard. Photo: 4.0 International

Charles Dabbs was the licensee from around 1858, and lived there with his wife Sarah and their large family. Sarah took over for a short while when Charles died in 1872, and after that the Moore family were at the helm.

By the turn of the 20th century the pub was occupied by the Downtons, followed by Arthur Grover, one of the Standard’s longest-serving publicans, in post from around 1905 until at least the mid-1920s.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The Royal Standard

As Walthamstow developed into a populous urban area from the later 19th century the pub became a central fixture in local life. More than just a pub, the grounds were used for regular dog racing meets for many years, and regular concert parties were popular.

By the 1970s its role as an entertainment venue was cemented, with residencies by the big names of the day, including Danny La Rue and Mike Reid, whilst weekly talent competitions attracted prizes of £100 in 1972, which had risen to an impressive £500 by 1978.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

A promotional advert for the talent competition taken from The Stage on July 6, 1972

Within a few years, however, the character of the entertainment had shifted, and by 1983, although live music was hosted Wednesdays to Sundays, lunchtime striptease with pool was also a fixture.

In 1986 a new visionary management took over, transforming the pub into a renowned rock venue, famous for hosting up and coming bands as well as established names, amongst them Phil Lynott, and Wolfsbane.

At a time when the live gig scene was thriving, the Standard opened between 8pm and midnight every night of the week. It was also a favourite venue for special nights such as the Slade Fan Club Convention, who held a night there in 1990, for a £7.50 entrance fee.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Ark at the Standard. Photo: Danny Mayo

In later years the Standard hosted a range of regular favourites, including Midlands-based Ark as well as cover bands, such as Guns 2 Roses, T.Rextasy and Bootleg Blondie. It was also a Stow Festival venue, showcasing a variety of local bands.

Into the 21st century the Standard faced an uncertain future as it was earmarked for redevelopment as property values shot up. The Standard’s final gig was in December 2011 and the venue closed for good. A new co-living development and integral multi-arts basement venue is set to replace it. Will the spirit of The Standard live on...?

Karen Averby is a seaside-loving historian and research consultant specialising in researching histories and stories of buildings, people and places. She researches house histories for private clients and collaborates in community heritage projects (karenaverby.co.uk). She is also director of Archangel Heritage Ltd, an historical research consultancy providing research services for the commercial heritage sector (archangelheritage.co.uk). Also found on Twitter @karenaverby and @archaheritage