Havering's pubs, bars and restaurants are bracing for a busy weekend ahead of the King’s coronation.
Business owners are hoping the recent spell of good weather continues for Saturday’s coronation day (May 6).
King Charles III will be crowned alongside Camilla, his wife, in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Havering businesses welcomed the coronation as a much-needed boost to morale and coffers during the cost-of-living crisis.
"I think it’s a great thing to see, I love it because I always like to be a part of our history," said Sherrine Merry, manager of Osteria Due Amici in Upminster.
Sherrine said her Italian-British restaurant will be hosting an Elton John tribute act and a barbecue with kids' face painting on the Bank Holiday Monday (May 8).
"We’ve got some large parties coming in between 12pm and 4pm on Monday, which is very exciting, and we’ve already sold out our lunchtime booking," she said.
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Other business owners felt it would be hard to predict turnout until later this week but urged for cautious optimism.
Lorraine Eves, manager and owner of Bank Bar and Grill in Elm Park, said: "It is difficult to say right now because most of our business is from locals and starts late afternoon when people finish work.
"We’re a bit off the beaten track so we’re not always busy, but the sun has certainly helped recently with people coming along."
Lorraine is hopeful revellers from nearby street parties will filter into her bar, with quite a few saying they would pop in for a celebratory pint.
"We haven’t sold out but should have quite a few crowds in, and it will be nice to see people coming down," she said.
With businesses opting for a range of celebrations, from barbecues to karaoke, The Orange Tree pub in Havering-atte-Bower is looking to pull in punters with a day of soul music.
Lewis Starling, the venue's area manager, is gambling that rain will not jeopardise their outdoor event, running from 1pm till 11pm on Saturday.
"We’ve planned to have some soul music outside and a barbecue, so we’re hoping it stays warm," he said.
Despite the forecast of rain, Lewis remains optimistic. "We are hoping the British weather will change overnight and we will make sure that something is on regardless."
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