A band who have been playing at a pub for nine years are “outraged” after the management told them they will no longer be welcome after the watering hole is refurbished.

Terry Duggan claims he was given just two days’ notice before the group’s final gig last week, and now, for the first time in 15 years, the musicians have nowhere to perform.

The 67-year-old bass player from Loughton formed the blues band in 2003 with drummer Reg Patten and guitarist John Edwards and the trio have played at the Coach & Horses in Leyton High Road every Wednesday since 2009.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The band, who are known as The Coach & Horses Blues Jam, say it is “unfair” they were not given enough time to organise a farewell session for their loyal supporters.

Mr Duggan said: “I came back from Germany on Monday and they told me our last gig would be on the Wednesday. I’m really disappointed. They just don’t want us there anymore – it’s as simple as that.

“A few weeks ago they told us we could not play any more after the pub reopens but they didn’t give us an exact date and I thought it would be a few months down the line.

“We told people on social media but what about the people who don’t use it? It’s possible they will turn up this Wednesday expecting a jam to be in full swing.

“We are all outraged. When we told people it would be our last time they were gutted and I felt disappointed for them.”

The band, who were paid £90 per session by the pub, hosted a different singer every week for their two-and-a-half hour gig.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Mr Duggan said the performers were “shocked” when he told them about the pub’s plans but he said it was “heart-warming” to see so many followers brave the snow and turn up for their final performance.

The musicians are now on the lookout for another pub where they can play every week.  

Mr Duggan added: “It would be nice to have another venue somewhere in Leyton, Leytonstone or Walthamstow who is supportive of us and lets us advertise.”

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To get in touch with the band click here.

The Coach & Horses pub has been contacted for comment.