Forest Gate Hotel, Forest Gate

A proud late Victorian pub of two-storeys (plus prominent attic) dominating the junction of Godwin and Tylney Roads. The first licensee is recorded in 1896 and presumably the building of the pub immediately prior. The three external doorways lead to what is now a single L-shaped bar but once there would have been wooden partitions creating subdivisions (they would not have been full-height since they have left no traces on the ceiling – which has some attractive cornice work and ceiling roses). The star feature is the counter with its bold, wide bays, each decorated with four long panels focused on a central rose-like motif. It bulges out in striking fashion into the drinking area creating a largish space which now houses a quite delicate, low octagonal fitment for bottles etc and which has interwar styling. The lower parts of the main bar back fitment are probably (like the counter) original to the building of the pub but the upper mirrored panels are really quite austere and their dating is problematical (perhaps from a similar time as the octagonal unit?). Note the three cast-iron columns providing support for the upper parts of the building. On the right of the pub is a single-storey space, open to the main area and which may represent an extension (its internal details are very plain).