A new two-floor bar, record shop and live music venue is opening in Leytonstone next month.
Altar will open on 23 October at 7 Church Lane, spreading a bar, a curated record shop and a performance space across two floors.
Upstairs is the drinking room, described as having "a glossy tiled bar, curved wood-panelled banquette seating and velvet upholstery." The drinks list has been put together by the team behind Chop Shop Tavern and includes a caprese gimlet and a sgroppino topped with lemon gelato from local producer Chunk Provisions. The kitchen is doing hot dogs with a twist - banh mi and currywurst versions among them.
The record shop is a partnership with Dreamhouse Records, a compact space stocking new and used vinyl, with listening sessions planned.
Downstairs becomes a 100-capacity room for live music and club nights, finished in exposed concrete and stainless steel. The venue has also said it will give young local artists free rehearsal space, along with recording and podcasting facilities.
It lands in a neighbourhood that has been picking up a reputation as an east London cultural hub.
