A pub owner has spent £350,000 transforming a Wetherspoons into an ode to Europe. An apparent jibe to vote-leave Wetherspoon boss, Sir Tim Martin, the newly continental East London pub comes complete with a Europe-loving name, decor and menu.
Before you even step inside the Leyton pub, the frontage warns you of its ironic interior, with a hanging blue sign emblazoned with the gold-starred European Union flag which sits proudly below the pub’s new name, The European. Inside, its walls are draped in copies of European artwork by Monet and Matisse, a nod to the fact that the “Italian Renaissance influenced everything,” according to new owner, Mr Thomas. Even the tipples match its new personality, with continental beers, spirits and wines on offer, while the menu is made up of French food.
Thomas, a former history teacher and national swimming champion, said at the soft launch on February 27 that he hoped the irony would “hit the spot”.
He told the Romford Recorder: “I feel we’ve lost track of our roots. The Italian Renaissance influenced everything – science, music, art. But for some reason, we’ve decided to stick two fingers up to our European heritage.
“All I care about is the restoration of pan-European co-operation. Ultimately, I’d like to see an independent, democratic European powerhouse, co-operating politically and militarily. Our goal should be to provide comprehensive pan-European security.”
Formerly known as The Drum, the pub in Leyton was previously owned by Wetherspoon, whose boss Sir Tim donated £200,000 to the Vote Leave campaign in 2016 and has been vocal in supporting Brexit.
Mr Thomas has redeveloped a collection of London establishments under Remarkable Pubs, including The Boleyn Tavern in West Ham, which underwent a £1.5m refurbishment.