The Fatling, Hornchurch pub 'famous' for its beer garden

This week, the Recorder is shining a light on The Fatling, in High Street, Hornchurch - a centuries-old boozer with a "colourful" history and a lively atmosphere.

The pub - part of Stonegate Group - dates back to the 17th century, although was known as the The Bull until the 1990s, according to Havering Libraries.

The pub has an unusual name and 'colourful' history (Image: The Fatling)

A perhaps more unusual name, The Fatling - meaning an animal fattened for slaughter - nods back to the pub's roots as The Bull, as well as tying in with the former owner Firkin Brewery. 

Sandy Castle, general manager of The Fatling, gave an insight into the high street venue's history, revealing that it was even a "topless barmaid pub" back in the 1970s.

She said: "It's got quite a colourful background.

Sandy Castle, the general manager of The Fatling (Image: The Fatling)

"It also at one point had its own little microbrewery."

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She added that it has "always been famous for live music" and in more recent history has become a "community local pub". 

This speciality for live music sees The Fatling put on "at least 100 bands a year" for its regulars, many of whom are small business owners on the high street. 

Inside The Fatling after its refurbishment in 2022 (Image: Stonegate Group)

Sandy has been working at the historic pub for around 18 years, with other staff like Sue Rowe in the kitchen having been with The Fatling for more than 20 years.

The pub's beer terrace has become "more and more famous" since Covid, she added.

Described by Sandy as an "all-weather solution", the outdoor area has its own bar and heaters.

The outdoor area is 'famous' in Hornchurch (Image: The Fatling)

Sandy told the Recorder: "The smoking ban came in and people started to drink outside so they could smoke, then Covid came along and even more people started to drink outside.

"So the outside has basically become more popular than the inside."

Live music is a staple at The Fatling (Image: The Fatling)