A pub boss has aimed a cheeky dig at Wetherspoons by naming his newest bar The European.
Robert Thomas, chairman of Remarkable Pubs Ltd, officially opened the Lea Bridge Road, Leyton pub last week.
The pub was previously owned by the Wetherspoons chain, whose boss Sir Tim Martin is a fervent Brexiteer.
The European, formerly known as The Drum, is hard to miss with its hanging sign displaying the European Union's circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background.
The rebranded pub welcomed its first patrons on February 27 after a 'soft opening' the previous night.
Mr Thomas, who led a £350,000 refurbishment over several months, has incorporated the Euro theme throughout.
The European serves continental wines, lager, and spirits, and offers a largely French dining menu.
The pub’s walls are decorated with European-themed pictures, including copies of works by Monet and Matisse, and a portrait of Lorenzo de'Medici, ruler of the Florentine Republic.
Mr Thomas said: "I’m hoping the irony will hit the spot."
A former history teacher and national swimming champion, Mr Thomas has redeveloped a collection of London boozers under Remarkable Pubs.
His previous projects include The Boleyn Tavern, in West Ham, which he restored with a £1.5m refurbishment.
The pub has won a Campaign for Real Ale design award.
At the soft launch of The European, Mr Thomas said: "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.
"I’m not interested in party politics.
"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."
In 2016, Sir Tim donated £200,000 to the Vote Leave campaign and has been vocal in his support for the Brexit cause.
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