If you're an Iron Maiden fan, there's one pub in Stratford that should definitely be on your list. The Cart & Horses in East London is no ordinary pub. Known around the world as the Birthplace of Iron Maiden, it's a proper piece of heavy metal history - and we're ridiculously excited that our exclusive Eddfest gummies are now being stocked there! So, how did a pub in Stratford become so closely linked with one of the biggest heavy metal bands in the world? Let's get into it...
The Iron Maiden story starts at the Cart & Horses
Before the huge tours, packed-out stadiums and Eddie became one of the most famous faces in rock, Iron Maiden were a local band playing small venues around London. The Cart & Horses was a particularly important part of those early days. Iron Maiden played their very first ever gig at the pub on 9th June 1976, and the venue went on to become the band's first residential venue, where they played regularly between 1976 and 1978.
The connection actually goes back even further. Before Iron Maiden was formed, Steve Harris's first band, Gypsy's Kiss, played at the Cart & Horses. Steve later joined Smiler before forming Iron Maiden in 1975, meaning the pub has been part of the story from the very beginning. It's safe to say this isn't just a pub that happens to like Iron Maiden. This is where some of the history happened.
50 years of Iron Maiden
2026 marks 50 years since Iron Maiden played their first ever show, and the Cart & Horses has been right in the middle of the celebrations. On 9th June 2026 - exactly 50 years after that first gig - the pub hosted its 50 (Not) Wasted Years celebration, bringing Iron Maiden fans back to where it all began ahead of Eddfest at Knebworth. And the Iron Maiden connection hasn't disappeared over the years. The pub continues to host live rock and metal shows, while Steve Harris and British Lion have also returned to perform at the venue.
Today, the refurbished Cart & Horses continues to celebrate its Maiden heritage, with Iron Maiden memorabilia and a dedicated live music venue making it a pretty special destination for fans.
And now... Eddfest gummies!
This is where Treat Kitchen comes in. To celebrate Eddfest and 50 years of Iron Maiden, we created something a little bit different: our officially licensed Eddfest Gummy Berry Pouch. And we're absolutely buzzing that you can now find them at the Cart & Horses. Made exclusively for Eddfest and Iron Maiden fans, each pouch contains 200g of vegan berry gummy sweets, packed with juicy raspberry and blackberry flavour. They're finished with a crunchy sugar coating and have a soft, chewy jelly centre - basically everything you want from a seriously good gummy sweet. And yes, they're very easy to eat straight from the pouch. We won't judge.
The perfect sweet treat for Iron Maiden fans
Whether you're a lifelong Maiden fan, heading to the Cart & Horses for a gig, collecting Iron Maiden memorabilia or simply fancy a bag of very good sweets, the Eddfest Gummy Berry Pouch makes a pretty brilliant addition to your collection. It's also a great Iron Maiden gift for anyone who likes their music loud and their sweets fruity. And there's something especially cool about seeing them stocked at the Cart & Horses.
This is a venue that was there at the very start of Iron Maiden's story. A place where the band played their earliest shows, built their following and started the journey that would eventually take them around the world. Now, 50 years later, we're incredibly excited to have our Eddfest sweets sitting on the shelves there too.
Heading to the Cart & Horses?
If you're an Iron Maiden fan visiting London, the Cart & Horses in Stratford is well worth a visit. You can soak up the Maiden history, check out the memorabilia, catch a live rock or metal show and, of course, grab yourself a pouch of our Eddfest gummies while you're there.
Cart & Horses
1 Maryland Point
Stratford
London
E15 1PF
So whether you're there for the music, the history, the atmosphere or the sweets, there's plenty of reasons to make the trip.
Can't Make It to Stratford? We've Got You!
Not heading to the Cart & Horses anytime soon? Don't worry, you can still get your hands on our Eddfest Gummy Berry Pouch!
Packed with 200g of vegan raspberry and blackberry gummy sweets, this officially licensed Iron Maiden pouch is the perfect sweet treat for Maiden fans — and you don't even need to leave the house.
Shop the Eddfest Special Edition Pouch here →
And from us at Treat Kitchen...
Up the Irons!!!!!! 🤘
