The Leyton Engineer

Leyton and Leytonstone have gone through a pub revival in recent years, with too many good boozers to choose just one. The Coach and Horses, The Red Lion, The Birds, The Northcote, The Leytonstone Tavern (best pub burgers in east London) and The Hare and Hounds all deserve a mention. But I’m giving the Leyton Engineer top billing on account of the gorgeously Victorian building in which it stands. Formerly the Leyton Town Hall’s reception area, we all have a soft spot for the Grade-II listed building, with its vertiginous ceilings, Victorian mosaic floors, booths, snugs and faux-Greek statuettes. The beers are plentiful, the food (though I’ve not eaten it) aims high, and after the kitchen closes, tables move aside for dancing.