Beaconsfield, London

A good amount of the late 19th century refitting remains, including the central servery and stillion in its centre

Although opened out, The Beaconsfield still retains some Victorian work. Built in 1886-7 to the designs of the less well known architects Alexander and Gibbon who drew upon 17th-century details for inspiration. In 1897 the internal arrangements were changed when the present island servery was installed surrounded by a series of compartments. Various changes were made over the years that served to open up the pub, but the present single space we see today finally came about as late as in 1981 when Courage (Eastern) Brewery removed the final divisions thus consigning the compartments to history.

The most striking of the remaining Victorian work is the spacious servery, with its stillion in the middle, and bar counter with rectangular panelled front interspersed with wavy wooden pilasters, and linoleum inlaid top. Other surviving Victorian features are the Lincrusta-style decorated ceiling (now painted black), six cast-iron columns, curved lobby entrance on the corner, a considerable amount of etched mirrorwork towards the rear and in the games area at the back, and some stained glass in the upper portions of most windows.