THE FUTURE of a once-popular pub is still unclear as its owners remain tight-lipped about its refurbishment.

The British Queen, on New Wanstead, has been closed since the summer and although its owners Enterprise Inns have confirmed that it will remain a pub, the company will not elaborate any further on its plans.

A neighbour living opposite the pub, said: “It used to be a quiet traditional pub, I used to go there for a meal sometimes with my husband before he died, many years ago. But has changed quite a bit in recent times.

“I'd be happy for it to open up again, but I hope it doesn't become more like a nightclub, which will be open late and could be a bit noisier.

“I saw a few people coming and going a few weeks ago, workmen and that sort of thing, but then they stopped coming back.”

A spokeswoman for Enterprise Inns said more details will be available in the coming weeks and that the pub would be re-opened by the new year.