The foyer of the former Granada theatre and EMD cinema is set to open for the first time to the public since 2003 with a pop-up pub today.

The EMD is being opened in stages by Antic, which owns a large portfolio of pubs including The Red Lion in High Road, Leytonstone, and The Leyton Technical in High Road, Leyton.

The Theatres Trust warned in September this year that delays could threaten the building, when the Grade II* listed site in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, was placed on its 2015 ‘Buildings at Risk’ register.

Now Antic, who are working with Soho Theatre and investors Downing LLP, have released a statement confirming building has started in the foyer and will be opened to the public today (December 10).

Antic wrote on its website: “After a number of false dawns we are delighted to announce that work has now begun on our Foyer pop-up pub and will open just in time for the festive season on Thursday December 10.

“Please pop in for a festive brew and a marvel.

“Thank you all for your kinds words of support and we very much look forward to seeing you soon.”

Campaign group, Save Walthamstow Cinema, said it expected a planning application for the whole building to be submitted to Waltham Forest council by summer 2016 at the latest.

Waltham Forest Cinema Trust chairman, Neil Gerrard, said: “I’m sure that like me, all the residents of Walthamstow will be pleased to see the doors to the EMD open again after 10 years of closure.

“However, it is important to remember that the opening of a pop-up pub in the theatre foyer is only one small step on the former Granada’s journey to re-opening as a venue for genuine entertainment and community benefit.

“We as a local community need to ensure that the next stage in this journey will see Antic London and Downing LLP, the owners of the building, working with a credible and respected arts organisation like Soho Theatre to bring the venue back into use for our community, and for people across London to experience the Granada in its full glory once again.”

The Granada was built in 1930 by architect Cecil Masey with interior decoration by Theodore Komisarjevsky.

It operated initially as a ciné-variety theatre, with a subsequent history as a live music venue and cinema.

The Granada achieved listed status in February 1987 and is now Grade II*.

A pop-up pub will open from 6.30pm this evening.

The bar will serve cocktails, ales, draught and bottled lagers, craft beer, fine wines and spirits and a pop up kitchen will serve food.