Former Luna Lounge to relaunch as new cultural hub

The venue is set to reopen later this year.  From left to right: Cllr Ahsan Khan, Jon Clifford, Danny, Cllr Clyde Loakes, and Cllr Rosalind Doré outside Luna. <i>(Image: Waltham Forest Council)</i>
The venue is set to reopen later this year. From left to right: Cllr Ahsan Khan, Jon Clifford, Danny, Cllr Clyde Loakes, and Cllr Rosalind Doré outside Luna. (Image: Waltham Forest Council)
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A much-loved music venue is set for a vibrant comeback.

The former Luna Lounge in Leytonstone, east London, will reopen in 2026 with a new name and vision under the direction of a group of industry professionals with strong ties to the area.

Located at 7 Church Lane, the venue will relaunch as a hub for live music, arts, and culture, thanks to a partnership between the new operators and Waltham Forest Council, which owns the building.

Our sister title, Guardian Series, reported on the venue's closure back in 2020. 

Councillor Ahsan Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Waltham Forest Council, said: "We’re giving Leytonstone residents what they’ve asked for: to keep 7 Church Lane as a live music venue.

"We’ve secured incredible local operators who will elevate the space, nurture the local music scene in Leytonstone, and support our nighttime economy.

"The venue has been treasured by the local community for many years, and this new era will bring many more memories for residents and visitors for years to come."

The team behind the project includes Simon Singleton, founder of SHAKE THE HIGH ROAD; Jon Clifford of Dreamhouse Records; music industry veteran Toby L; and Danny, Peter, and Luke, of Leyton Calling and Chop Shop Tavern.

They plan to deliver a diverse programme of live music and arts events while creating opportunities for young artists through mentoring and support.

Councillor Rosalind Doré, cabinet member for libraries, culture and sport, said: "We’re thrilled to be partnering with a great team to bring back the live music scene to Leytonstone.

"This will create many opportunities for residents, including local employment and training with our programmes like Futured Formed, free rehearsal space, and support for local artists."
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Simon Singleton, founder of SHAKE THE HIGH ROAD, said the project is personally meaningful.

Mr Singleton said: "I put on my first event at Luna almost a decade ago and have spent a lot of time in it over the years - it’s very close to my heart.

"Live music is such a key part of this area, we’re really excited to launch a whole new venture here, it’s going to be a special place where we’re going to put on all kinds of inclusive and exciting live shows."

During the day, the venue hopes to offer a café and bar, with the upper floor planned to host a record shop from Dreamhouse Records.

The basement will serve as a community space for rehearsals and educational programming.

In the evenings, the venue will transition into a live music bar upstairs and performance space downstairs, hosting gigs, club nights, and creative gatherings.

The revamped venue is scheduled to open in spring 2026.

The new name and a first look at the space will be revealed ahead of its full launch in late summer 2026, which will be marked by a month-long programme of live events and shows.

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