Elderfield, Clapton

This three-storey Victorian corner-site pub dates back to c1869, still retaining its separate saloon and public bars with decor from an inter-war fitting.

High on the side of this pub, formerly the Priory Tavern, is the Toby Jug emblem that betrays its origins as a Charrington's house. It was given a major makeover in about 1935 which is what forms the real interest today. The ground floor received a grey larvikite facing and the whole interior was refitted. The former saloon bar, on the Blurton Road side,  is notable for its characteristic two-thirds height ribbed lightwood panelling and a large circular ceiling feature for concealed lighting. Just inside the entrance is a large baffle. The counter  sweeps forward in an elegant concave quarter circle, and  the appearance of its stepped front matches the panelling. The bar-back and fire surround are from the same scheme but the overmantel has been altered and the tiling is modern. There is a beautifully veneered door to the ladies’ loo and the lettering over is probably original, but both loos have been refitted. The flooring repays attention: there’s an intricate scheme of small blocks of wooden oblongs.

The former public bar, which can be accessed through a walkway, has much less of interest and is partly old – such as the bar counter and parquet flooring – and partly new. Markings on the floor clearly show that there was once a small, separate compartment: perhaps this was an off-sales area but quite how it linked to the servery is unclear.