The Cart & Horses, a small East End pub, tucked away in Stratford, surrounded by streets now bustling with post-Olympic regeneration, doesn’t look like much, but to heavy metal fans worldwide, it’s no ordinary boozer. This is the hallowed ground where Iron Maiden, one of the most legendary bands in rock history, first unleashed their ear-splitting, genre-defining sound.
Founded in 1975, Iron Maiden is synonymous with galloping basslines, soaring vocals, and epic songs about history, literature, and mythology. The band has sold over 100 million albums and inspired countless fans and musicians. But before they headlined stadiums and festivals, they were just a scrappy bunch of lads trying to make their mark in the small but mighty pub circuit. Enter the Cart and Horses.

The Early Days of Maiden
In the late 1970s, Stratford wasn’t yet the gentrified hotspot it is today. It was a working-class area, a gritty hub of east London life where pubs like the Cart and Horses were cultural landmarks. These weren’t your polished gastropubs; they were smoky, sticky-floored, and loud. Perfect for the raw energy of rock and roll.
Iron Maiden’s story begins with bassist and songwriter Steve Harris, who founded the band in Leyton, not far from Stratford. Inspired by prog-rock bands like Genesis and Yes, as well as hard rock acts like Deep Purple, Harris wanted to create music that was powerful, theatrical, and uniquely his own.

In 1976, Harris and his early line-up of Iron Maiden found themselves playing regular gigs at the Cart and Horses, which had a small stage in the corner of the bar. The venue was a magnet for up-and-coming rock bands, offering a chance to cut their teeth in front of rowdy, discerning crowds. It was the perfect place for Maiden to hone their craft, test out new material, and win over fans one pint at a time.
The Pub That Rocked
The Cart and Horses wasn’t much to look at—a traditional East End pub with a cosy, no-frills interior and a hearty dose of local character. But it had something that every fledgling rock band needed: a landlord willing to take a chance.
In the mid-’70s, the landlord was Ken “Buddha” Bodger, a larger-than-life figure who saw potential in Iron Maiden despite their then-rough edges. Buddha offered the band regular slots, giving them a chance to build a loyal following.
Those early gigs were chaotic and electric. With their high-energy performances and distinctive sound, Maiden began to attract attention. Fans packed into the Cart and Horses to witness what would become the genesis of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Though the stage was small, the atmosphere was immense.

The band’s music was loud, fast, and complex, a sharp contrast to the disco and punk dominating the airwaves. Harris’s thundering basslines and the dual-guitar attack of Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton set the tone for a sound that was both aggressive and melodic. Though the band’s line-up changed frequently in these early years, their determination and vision remained constant.
A Legacy Cemented

Iron Maiden soon outgrew the Cart and Horses, going on to record their self-titled debut album in 1980 and achieve international fame. But the pub remained an indelible part of their story, earning its nickname as the “Birthplace of Iron Maiden.”
Over the years, the Cart and Horses has embraced its place in music history. The pub became a pilgrimage site for Maiden fans, who flocked to their spiritual home to see the spot where it all began. Photos, posters, and memorabilia adorned the walls, transforming the pub into a mini shrine to the band.
In 2016, the pub underwent renovations to celebrate its connection to Iron Maiden, creating a dedicated rock bar and museum space. Visitors can see rare photographs, vintage gig posters, and even a replica of the original stage. The venue continues to host live music, keeping the spirit of its glory days alive.

The Cart and Horses Today
While Stratford has undergone dramatic changes in recent decades, the Cart and Horses remains a bastion of old-school rock and roll. Its gritty charm and historic significance stand in stark contrast to the modern glass towers and trendy eateries that now dominate the area.
The pub is a reminder that even the biggest bands start small, playing to a handful of punters in unassuming venues. It’s also a testament to the enduring power of grassroots music scenes, where passion and perseverance can transform a local act into global icons.
Iron Maiden themselves have never forgotten their roots. Steve Harris has often spoken fondly of those early days, and the band has maintained a strong connection with their East End beginnings. Fans visiting the Cart and Horses can feel the energy of that era, a sense of possibility and rebellion that still lingers in the air.
A Mecca for Metalheads
Whether you’re a die-hard Maiden fan or just a lover of rock history, the Cart and Horses is a must-visit destination. It’s a place where you can raise a pint to the humble beginnings of one of the greatest metal bands of all time, surrounded by the echoes of their legendary first riffs.
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