Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith toasted the latest landlords of a pub that now flourishes where it once struggled.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith toasted the latest landlords of a pub that now flourishes where it once struggled.

The MP for Chingford and Woodford Green visited the owners of The Traveller’s Friend, in High Road, Woodford Green, to offer his support.

Former City traders Scott Randall, 44, and Andrew Zacharia, 37, bought the pub in November when it was in a perilous position.

Scott said: “The previous owners had to sell and there was a really good chance the pub would be shut down.

“It was to run down and hadn’t been invested in.”

Mr Duncan Smith raved about the watering hole.

He said: “I very much enjoyed my visit to The Traveller’s Friend pub – it’s a great traditional pub with a very friendly atmosphere.”

Scott and Andrew, who both live on the Knighton Estate, Woodford Green, have invested in technology to keep the ales in good condition as well as renovating the garden.

“It really is outstanding – if I do say so myself,” Scott said.

“And we’re drawing up plans as we speak for a restaurant.”

Despite the heavy investment, the landlords do not want to change the character of the nearly 200-year-old pub and are keeping all the traditional wood panelling

And as any good pub should be, this is not solely a business venture – the team planned to host a Tour de France event for when Chris Froome cycled past the pub carrying British victory hopes with him, on Monday.

“We are doing this for the community as well as for business,” Scott said.