A London pub has made waves with its new name, which takes a playful dig at both Brexit and the previous owner — J D Wetherspoon.
Remarkable Pubs has renamed its Leyton venue The European, a clear nod to the EU and a jab at Wetherspoon’s chairman, Sir Tim Martin, a vocal Brexiteer.
The pub, formerly known as The Drum, now proudly displays the European Union’s iconic circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background. It officially opened its doors on Thursday, 27 February, after an extensive £350,000 refurbishment.
European Vibes All Round
Robert Thomas, chairman of Remarkable Pubs, has leaned into the Euro theme hard. The pub’s menu features French-inspired dishes like cassoulet, coq-au-vin pie, confit duck leg, and steak frites.
The décor also screams European flair. The walls are adorned with artwork by Monet and Matisse, while a portrait of Lorenzo de’ Medici — a symbol of the Italian Renaissance — hangs in the snug.
‘Sir Tim Would Be Horrified’
Remarkable Pubs isn’t exactly subtle about the message. A company spokesperson said:
“Sir Tim would no doubt be horrified.”
They pointed out that Martin donated £200,000 to the Vote Leave campaign in 2016 and later pulled EU products like prosecco and champagne from Wetherspoon’s shelves in favour of New World wines.
Thomas, a former history teacher and national swimming champion, has made a name for himself by revitalising freehold pubs across London. The European seems to be his cheekiest project yet.
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