First look around Lawe Top pub the Beehive Inn is set to be buzzing again under new landlord

The Beehive Inn on the River Drive and Mile End Road junction, is the latest of the traditional Lawe Top pubs to be given a new lease of life under new management.

Local resident, Lindsey Young took over the pub in October after its long standing landlord called last orders after more than 20 years.

The venue, which is owned by Hawthorne Leisure brewery, has been redecorated with new lighting and furnishings added in a bid to bring in new punters.

The small function room has been updated and is now available to hire free of charge, and there are plans for an outdoor seating area, new signage and the introduction of quiz nights and live music in the new year.

Many of the regulars have also signed a petition to get a bus stop back up and running outside the pub on Mile End Road, after the route was altered when the new transport interchange opened in July.

Lindsey, who formerly worked at The Britannia, said: “I thought ‘why not give it a go? I’ve assistant managed pubs before, but it’s a whole new thing being your own boss.

“I just love talking to people and meeting people and The Beehive is a really local, friendly community pub.”

Things had quietened down on the once-booming Lawe Top pub scene in recent years, after the closures of historic wateringholes, the Beacon and Turks Head.

But with new landlords moving into The Lookout and the Harbour Lights in the last few months, Lindsey is hoping they can encourage drinkers back down to the river.

“We’d all like to get the pubs going again because it used to be a great area," she said.

“It's only a short walk to the harbour and into town from here and it’s a nice walk up the river.”

Lindsey added: “Trade is already starting to pick up and everyone who has come in has said it’s a lovely, friendly, comfortable pub – which exactly the atmosphere I'm trying to create.”

It is open Mon-Thurs 11am-11.30pm and Fri-Sun noon-12am, subject to change in January 2020.