Grassroots Leytonstone music venue saved

Pictured above from left to right: Cllr Ahsan Khan, Jon Clifford, Simon Singleton, Danny, Cllr Clyde Loakes, and Cllr Rosalind Doré outside Luna.

The former Luna Lounge on Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 will reopen this year with a new name after Waltham Forest Council appointed new operators for the much-loved music and entertainment venue.

At a time when many bars and clubs in the country are closing, the site on 7 Church Lane will be transformed and reopened to the community, bringing live music, art and film to the people of Waltham Forest and London.

The new operators who have deep connections to the area are Simon Singleton (founder of SHAKE THE HIGH ROAD), Jon Clifford (owner of Dreamhouse Records), Toby L (a music industry veteran), and Danny, Peter, and Luke (Leyton Calling/Chop Shop Tavern). This super-group of industry professionals will not only bring diverse music and arts programming alongside a fantastic food and drink offer, but also provide space where young local artists can access mentoring and support.

The council, which owns the building, is working closely with the new operators to bring their plans to life.

Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: 

We’re giving Leytonstone residents what they’ve asked for: to keep 7 Church Lane as a live music venue. We’ve secured incredible local operators who will elevate the space, nurture the local music scene in Leytonstone, and support our nighttime economy. The venue has been treasured by the local community for many years, and this new era will bring many more memories for residents and visitors for years to come. 

Councillor Rosalind Doré, Cabinet Member for Libraries, Culture and Sport said:

We’re thrilled to be partnering with a great team to bring back the live music scene to Leytonstone. This will create many opportunities for residents, including local employment and training with our programmes like Futured Formed, free rehearsal space, and support for local artists.

Simon Singleton, Founder of SHAKE THE HIGH ROAD said:

I put on my first event at Luna almost a decade ago and have spent a lot of time in it over the years - it’s very close to my heart. Live music is such a key part of this area, we’re really excited to launch a whole new venture here, it’s going to be a special place where we’re going to put on all kinds of inclusive and exciting live shows.

During the day, the new business hopes to offer a café/bar providing food and drink. The upstairs space is planned to host a record shop from Dreamhouse Records featuring exciting vinyl releases, while the basement will serve as a dynamic community space for rehearsals and educational projects. 

At night, the venue will transform into a music-focussed bar upstairs and a live venue downstairs, hosting unforgettable performances, club nights, creative events, and cultural gatherings.

The restored venue will be unveiled in spring 2026. The new name and first viewings of the space will be revealed ahead of its full opening in late summer 2026, which will launch with a month of live events and shows. 

Stay updated by following sevenchurchlane on Instagram.