Former Romford Wetherspoons The World's Inn to be gastropub

New leaseholder Remzi Erdogan, 34, confirmed today (March 18) that The World's Inn in South Street will reopen on April 22 under a different name.

Remzi, who owns four other restaurants, said the opening would create 40 jobs and attract people to the town.

In April 2023, The World's Inn shut as part of Wetherspoons' move to sell and let dozens of its pubs up and down the country. The Recorder reported in October that the building was "under offer."

Remzi said the closure of Atik nightclub on the same street in February had prompted him to consider why business is not being kept in Romford.

Leaseholder Remzi Erdogan said he wanted to bring Mayfair to Romford when his South Street gastropub opens (Image: Remzi Erdogan)

"We are thinking - why aren't we keeping people in Romford?" Remzi said. "Atik has closed [and] there is a lot of change in South Street."

RELATED NEWS: Romford Wetherspoons The World's Inn let to mystery tenant 

The leaseholder said he wanted to encourage more business in the area.

"We are bringing something from Mayfair to Romford, but prices will be the same as in Romford," he added.  

Remzi confirmed that works are in progress after he took the key from Wetherspoons in January.

The World's Inn closed last year (Image: Sandra Rowse)

A spokesperson for Wetherspoons confirmed in February that a let had been agreed. The advertised annual rent for the premises was £120,000, its Savills listing showed.

Builders are due to finish on April 4, Remzi added, but a couple of extra weeks are needed to train incoming staff.

The gastropub will operate from 9pm until 1am on Thursday, from 9pm until 2am on Friday and Saturday and from 9am until 12pm Sunday to Wednesday.

The pub would offer English and Mediterranean food, DJs and "high-quality" drinks, Remzi added.

"For years and years there has been a pub [at the South Street address]," he said. "We want all customers to have a good feeling about the place."