The owner of a derelict landmark has said he is committed to returning it to its “former glory” as a popular pub. Reiss Matto, 18, took over the historic Cauliflower pub in Ilford High Road in November.

The owner of a derelict landmark has said he is committed to returning it to its “former glory” as a popular pub.

Reiss Matto, 18, took over the historic Cauliflower pub in Ilford High Road in November.

Speaking to the Recorder, Mr Matto said the Victorian gin palace – which closed last year – was being fully refurbished and plans to open in November.

He said: “It’s an amazing gin palace and it’s unique compared to the other pubs in the area.

“When I first saw it I thought it could be something spectacular and different to all the rest. It’s been previously neglected and treated as a boozer. We want to refurbish it and return it to its former glory as a gin palace.”

The pub will also operate as a hotel, with 26 rooms in the upper floors.

“We want to open it up for families and make it a nice place to eat – a real British pub,” added Mr Matto, who had previously made a bid to buy The Bell in Ley Street.

The venture will be his first as a landlord, and he said The Cauliflower already has a place in his heart. “I love the building – I’ll never let it go,” he said. “I’ll pass it on to my kids.”

In June, the building was granted listed status by English Heritage following a campaign by residents to protect the building.

The council had previously added it to its local list and served a notice to prevent the building being demolished.

Campaigner John Law, who started the petition to protect the pub, said he was pleased to hear it would be restored as a pub.

“I am absolutely overjoyed that it’s not becoming a McDonald’s or Tesco, as a lot of people were assuming,” he said.

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