William the Fourth, Leyton, E10

Tris C left this review about William the Fourth

This is a late 19th century pub, where one of the first things you notice is the Ind Coope/Allied Allsopp’s ‘hand’ device above an empty sign frame.
The interior is very commanding, to the designs of W. G. Shoebridge & Lewis of 1896 and until recently, this was the Brodie’s tap, though sadly their lovely brews are now created at the Rhymney Brewery. In South Wales. Otherwise, the floor is bare boarded, the intricate bar array original, a pretty fireplace with polychromatic tiled surround, walls with burgundy Anaglypta then white to an ochre ceiling with descending mashrabiya-style fretwork, probably indicating where divisions were once sited. Along with some residual etched glass, there were two Ind Coope mirrors with the pub’s name; to the rear is a dining room. Otherwise, furniture is traditional with some oxblood studded peripheral banquettes; less appealing was the pool table, games machine and all-dominating TV sport, though at least the few male locals were watching it.
Sadly, there’s no longer any Brodie’s, just two unused pumps, so it was a half of Five Points JUPA, £3.35, served by a smiley barmaid.
This pub is rather impressive, hence the score; if only the ambience and ale selection could match, this could be a real winner, but I agree with Aqualung that the devotion to televised sport and all-dominating pool table up front don’t add to the place.

On 7^th October 2024 - rating: 6
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