This pub is not only a grade II listed building, it is also a Two Star pub on the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) National Inventory with an interior of very special national historic interest, and the description is as follows: “An imposing Edwardian corner pub of 1902 by architects W E Trent and Henry Poston for one Joseph Hill. It is a lavish architectural display with a corner turret and a couple of first floor balconies. Though rather dilapidated, it retains three distinct areas gathered round a central servery. The large room fronting High Street North is split by a timber and glass screen but originally it would have been further subdivided – see the multiple doors from the rather grand, mosaic-floored entrance and the changes in bar counter design.

The least-altered part is the delightful private bar off Romford Road – currently used for storage but retaining its fittings, even down to a glazed display cabinet. Behind comes a large, dark area, probably once a billiard room, with a blocked skylight and deep cornice. The original servery fittings include an unusual bar-back with sub-Jacobean detail, built-in clock and mirrored panels. There is also good ceiling decoration, a little etched glass and three very striking fireplaces. These latter break with the tradition of ornate Victorian or Edwardian work and their clean lines would not be out of place in a building 25 years later.” The listing description is as follows: “Public House 1902. On corner of High Street North. Henry Poston and W E Trent (see foundation stone). Free Classical. Corner site. Red brick and painted stone stucco. Red and grey polished granite to pilastered ground storey. Slated mansard roof. Two and a half storeys. Bowed central entrance to High Street North, with scrolly broken pediment to first floor and cherubs set within. Octagonal corner tower, with dome and spire. Paired attic windows with central chimney stacks. Oriel to right on Romford Road, with octagonal turret and tented spire. Interior not seen.”

The WhatPub link is here: WhatPub/Earl of Essex

The Earl of Essex has not featured on a LPG pub tour in many years.