A mid 20th century pub in Collier Row is claimed to have been named after a lone tree, the only one of its kind in the district. 

The Aspen Tree, in Gobions Avenue, is just one of the unique and historic pubs in the borough of Havering. 

It opened as a watering hole for locals in July 1955 and was run by the landlord A E Bone. 

It is said that the pub's name has a link to the greenery in Collier Row at the time of its creation, after a lone aspen tree was discovered nearby. 

The pub pictured in 2021The pub pictured in 2021 (Image: Google Maps) The tree was believed to have been the only one of its kind in the area, a remarkable feat as the species grow in clonal colonies according to The Woodland Trust. 

They are most commonly found in the north-west of Scotland and have a distinct characteristic of trembling leaves when caught in the breeze, hence its scientific name populas tremula. 

The pub has undergone internal works since opening, which saw the former public and saloon bars become one large bar after the dividing wall was knocked through.

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Though the pub is now owned by Greene King, it was once operated by Truman's Brewery. 

In 1967, a photo was taken of the pub under the license of a Mr J Hall. 

At this time, the pub claimed to have the "strongest Shove-halfpenny team in Romford" according to the Havering Libraries archive.

This was a game using coins or discs on a tabletop board.