Picture this a weathered timber framed building standing proudly on Upton Lane. This is The Spotted Dog a pub steeped in history. Its origins trace back to the late 15th or early 16th century. Legend whispers of a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII himself. Imagine the King’s hounds baying nearby. The air thick with the scent of the hunt.
The Spotted Dog wasn’t just any pub. It held a special place in history. According to Leopold Wagner’s 1921 book A New Book About London Henry VIII hunted in Epping Forest. He often used The Spotted Dog. It was supposedly about a mile from the tollgate that gave Forest Gate its name. The pub’s location made it a convenient stop for weary travelers. It is said the Master of the Hounds ran the Spotted Dog and profited from these travelers.
This wasn’t just a place for a quick drink. It served as a refuge during the Great Plague of 1665. People fleeing the city sought shelter in the fields around The Spotted Dog. It played another significant role following the Great Fire of London in 1666. City merchants held meetings there while rebuilding their city. The pub temporarily became a makeshift stock exchange.
Sadly The Spotted Dog closed in 2004. It has since fallen into disrepair. A campaign to save it gained support from local MPs and Newham Council. Thankfully plans were approved in 2020 to renovate The Spotted Dog. A 68-room hotel is planned next door.
The Spotted Dog stands as a testament to London’s rich past. It has witnessed centuries of history. From royal hunts to plague-ridden escapes it played many roles. The pub’s future now looks brighter than ever. Let us raise a glass to its continued existence. May its doors forever welcome weary travelers seeking rest and refreshment.