The Cricketers, Woodford

Made a great mistake of coming in here during a football match to have to contend with the usual idiots shouting at TV screens rather than drinking. had a couple of pints of Guinness which I must say were the best I had had in the area since moving back to Highams Park where pubs there have sunken to an all time low. A couple of Irishmen who drink here say that the Guinness is always in good condition and that apart from the Landlord the pub is a great place to drink. He is hospitalised at the moment apparently having slipped on a pea or something. This (apart from football days) is the best on offer in my honest opinion. in the immediate area. They do food at lunchtime but not in the evening. Far better than the Travelers up the road anyhow!

10 Sep 2013 22:01

The Rose and Crown, Woodford Green

Apart from some of the regulars from the Travelers in here, the place was full of young suspicious looking characters. The Guinness was quite good and although I did not try any, they have a fairly decent menu and the food that I saw emerge from the kitchen looked very decent. Will keep an eye on this place.

10 Sep 2013 21:53

The Travellers Friend, Woodford Green

Gave up with this place a long while back now as it began to go down hill years ago and there are a lot more better places around. The same old faces were there including the Landlady and her lovely daughter who was as surly as she was last time I came in. The Guinness was not in great condition. But the good news coming is that it is being taken over by some locals who have bought the company out and are going to spend a million pounds on the place. Apparently it is in a right old need of refurbishment, especially upstairs which is not surprising considering the circumstances. They still do not offer any catering which I feel is stupid as the nearest eating house is a considerable distance. The regulars seem to slag off the staff at any opportunity and I can see why having been on the receiving end of the daughters tongue so to speak. Mum is not that much better but at least she gets involved with a bit of conversation with the punters between fags. A grim sight now really, the former traditional look making for a tired, old, worn, run down wretched sight in need of some work. The pub could really do with some serious refurbishment also. I hope the new firm does spend some money on the place as it is still possible to raise this place up from the gutter from where it has sunk.

10 Sep 2013 21:49