this-grade-ii-listed-london-pub-used-to-be-the-local-town-hall-–-and-it-has-recently-been-named-one-of-the-best-looking-boozers-in-the-uk

This Grade II listed London pub used to be the local town hall – and it has recently been named one of the best-looking boozers in the UK

The Leyton local boasts a rather lengthy backstory and one of the most impressive pub interiors in the country. Credit: The Leyton Engineer London certainly isn’t lacking in lovely things to look at. And whilst the striking landmarks and sweeping landscapes are likely the first things that spring to mind when considering the capital’s best-looking locations, London is also home to a plethora of picture perfect pubs that serve up both beer and beauty by the pint-load. One such spot comes in the form of the Leyton Engineer. This historic pub is perched over in – you guessed it, folks – Leyton, and has just been named among the most attractive alehouses in the country. The Leyton Engineer The rather gorgeous Grade II listed building originally set up shop back in 1895 as Leyton Town Hall. It served as the local seat of government for the Leyton Urban District Council before having quite the drastic career change. The building first turned its hand to hospitality when it became a pop-up pub during the 2012 London Olympics, the boozer then became a more permanent fixture slightly later. And in 2024, following a rather hefty refurbishment, the Leyton Engineer in its current form swung open its doors. And aren’t we glad that it did? Credit: The Leyton Engineer The pub’s mighty transformation came courtesy of Remarkable Pubs – who are pretty well-versed in carefully restoring beloved London boozers. The Leyton Engineer still boasts many of its original Victorian fixtures alongside some more modern design details. There’s the gorgeous mosaic and terrazzo floors, the big old windows, the signature jukebox, the high ceilings, a very fancy-looking bar back and some even fancier brass chandeliers. The pub is also home to some rather unique Greek-looking statues. Because – well… why not, I suppose? Its recent renovation actually earned the Leyton Engineer the refurbishment award in CAMRA’s highly-esteemed Pub Design Awards. They referred to the pub’s interior as one of the most impressive in east London – and it’s not too tricky to see why. Alongside its undeniable good looks, however, the Leyton Engineer also offers an extensive list of drinks, some scrumptious food (the Sunday roast is particularly popular), a ‘Club Room’ full of traditional games, and plenty of seating areas to plonk yourself down in. Sounds pretty darn perfect to me. 📍You’ll find the Leyton Engineer at 265 High Road, E10 5QN. 🚇 The nearest station is Leyton.