BITE user comments - Hammerfall
Comments by Hammerfall
This venue had now reopened under the chain heading Potion after an extensive re-decoration.
Having visited the bar yesterday I have to say the interior is impressive if a little cold and empty. Its ambience matched with its prices however, suggests it should be in a different location to Ilford. Lager (Carlsberg and Fosters) as well as John Smiths sells at �3.00 per pint, whilst Perroni and Magners rolls in at a staggering �3.90. Couple that with a bowl of chips at �3.00 and cheap it ain't.
I'm wondering exactly how much homework the management did on the surrounding area. These prices are very much out of step and will do nothing to encourage residents and old regulars of the Cranbrook back (although publicans elsewhere in Ilford must be rubbing their hands together). If it's aimed at youngsters, it's in the wrong location and should have been in Ilford town centre or Gants Hill near to Faces nightclub.
All in all, I wondered if this was some stunt from the latest series of The Apprentice and the task was to put an up market bar in a typical suburban setting to see if the locals could be robbed blind.
30 Mar 2009 08:12
Hi Dinosaurman,
Nice to hear from someone who remembers the old place.
I do vaguely remember Flo and Stan (and certainly the boxer!), although as I was in my teens at the time it was sensible to keep a low profile for obvious reasons.
During my time there, Jim was the main landlord (my better half Rose worked in the pub between 1986-1991 as under manager at the same time)and he presided over some of its best times. I too remember the Police drinking in there, especially their Xmas parties, as well as British Telecom and the Gas Board workers from across the road.
As I recall, Chris was the second landlord to succeed Jim and I believe there were 3 after, not including relief staff.
Since the closure, we've been using the Cranbrook down by Valentine's Park, but that too has now been closed, subject to sale by the brewery - a sad refelction of the times I fear.
17 Sep 2008 09:47
Since I last commented on this pub, there's been a couple of changes in management neither of which has been able to completely turn things around.
It's now my sad duty to report that the Cranbrook (along with several other outlets owned by the brewery) has been closed and put up for sale. We can only hope another chain or independent takes it over, but given the current state of the pub game I suspect this will be the next housing development in Ilford.
28 Jul 2008 08:34
This was my local for 25 years or so, until it started the inevitable decline of a string of new landlords unable to deliver unachievable targets etc.
It's been vacant now for a few years, with several aborted new owners along the way. As a result of the latest plans, it has been completely gutted removing all traces of the old pub interior and leaving the building as a hollow shell. If anyone is brave enough to take it on as a pub again it's going to need a complete refurbishment. Mind you, we really could do with another decent pub in Ilford at the moment.....
30 Jun 2008 14:31
Visited this pub a couple of times now when holidaying in Weymouth. As a rock and metal fan I can only say it's the dog's nutz - just take a look at the jukebox and you'll see what I mean, not to mention the Motorhead emblem on the baize of the pool table.
9 Nov 2007 14:08
Myself and several friends have started using the Red Cow again since the demise of the Cranbrook. I'm happy to report that it's an excellent pub with pretty much everything you need for a good night out. If you're visiting the area, give this a try.
16 Feb 2007 12:18
This is very much a regulars pub (friendly atmosphere, decent prices etc.) and I've been using it for quite a few years now. It's my sad duty therefore to warn people that there was a change in management around November 2006 and the current incumbent is less than satisfactory; in fact I'd go as far as to say that she sees customers as little more than a nuisance (Closing all day on New Years day for no apparent reason as well as increasing the beer prices from �2 to �2.50 per pint after midnight on New Years eve spring to mind). The current "bouncers" (and I use that term very loosely) don't help the situation either. If you're still in the pub around closing time you'll see what I mean.
Entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays has also been dispensed with so that's another nail in the coffin.
All in all, I shan't be using the place again until matters change...........
3 Jan 2007 12:18
Jono's, Ilford
Grailhunter's comments are spot on.
Good friendly atmosphere, excellent staff and good sports coverage - it's basically an old style local pub, the kind that the recession and themed pubs are killing off. Given the state of pubs in Ilford these days, Jono's is head and shoulders out front.
27 Aug 2009 08:51