please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Banned for using social media
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A McMullen pub.
A traditional set up with one bar being 'public' and the other 'lounge', a refreshing change from so many pubs where the two have been knocked into one large bar area. Busy in both bars at the time of visit, (a Friday evening), with the beer 'AK' being in good condition. I used to drink in this pub when I lived nearby and in many ways its good to see that it hasn't changed that much....although the petanque area outside seems to have gone.
Perhaps I hit it on a good night as the last few comments seem to be negative, or perhaps that's down to a few regulars who don't like the management. However to me at least, its still worth a visit even if its only to revisit a 'two bar' pub.
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The beer is now very unreliable, usually flat and flavourless with occasional stale or butterscotch flavours. Last night only the AK had any condition and a bit of flavour but goes nicely with the 7% bottled Strongheart. Very occasionally you might find all the beers in good condition but that is only every couple of months and then only last a few days at most.
Beware of staff serving beer from the other side if you complain as one tap is on the same barrel.
I would suggest you ask for a taster with the sparkler off before purchasing any beer here.
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The Cricks is a proper local pub but has lost some regulars, some suggesting that the management are not particularly welcoming (except Dan) and others preferring the beer at nearby pubs. It is perhaps sad that the regulars no longer organise the Conker championship, Carol singing etc. because they do not feel supported but lets face it we are all getting older
But this is against a national decline in 'drink led' pubs in favour of 'food led' pubs and the food is very good in the Cricks at lunchtime. A couple of specials in the evening could be quite attractive once people are aware.
It has also become noticeably more 'female friendly' with separate carpeted lounge bar. Also staff now remove sparklers on the beer taps if requested and it is interesting to see if you can tell the difference.
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I walk by most evenings and cannot understand how this pub is still open as most nights the place is almost empty but I pop in once or twice as it is a half way house between the George and the Rose and Crown which knock spots off this place. You get nothing out of the owner except a grunt , he is a miserable bloke who can't be bothered, rude and arrogant, seems like he doesn't want to be there There is an Asian girl who is very friendly an Irsh girl who smiles when serving and others like student types serving who are welcoming. The staff said that the owner has banned a lot of the regulars so maybe that is why it is empty. There was very loud music in the carpeted bar one night but not many people in there either. Beer was ok on my visit, but just their own beer and no guests. This could be a good pub if they do it up a bit but don't seem bothered.
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Excellent food with good service.
Unfortunately the beer is not what it was as per Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)advice "We have been advised that due to a change in the owning company's policy, 'Sparklers' are now fitted to the nozzles of the handpumps used to dispense Real Ales, but that these will be removed on request; we therefore recommend that you ask for these to be removed when ordering your beer, as their use can be detrimental to its taste and condition".
Unfortunately Management have refused to remove them.
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Gave this another go in recent months. This place seems to be getting quieter by the week, there was absolutely nobody in the public bar in the last few times I've gone in during the week and it is best to go in the saloon bar if you prefer not to be alone, then again that bar seems to be used by single blokes mature who stare into their beer like they are going to dive in it. The little owner is still as unfriendly and miserable as sin but his skinny and lanky son seems much friendlier and taller than him! Maybe their milkman was called Lofty. The other barman is huge like a man mountain but very friendly and polite. Maybe the owner can ask him for tips. This is a good location but doesn't have much going for it at the moment, they don't even cook food at dinner time as the ovens go off at lunch time which is daft in this day and age. The beer I had was alright but quite expensive compared to the George down the road. They got rid of all the sport now and weekends people watch the sport on portable screens.
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firstly i would just like to mention the nice environment, friendly and down to earth. the beer is nice and the food is delicious. the staff are very welcoming. if you are looking for a good place to go then this is the place to go.
To the points made on this site, referring to others, its just pathetic and the person could have spoken to who he has mentioned in their post and aired it there and then. If you don't like the pub or people who frequent it don't drink in here. simple and obvious id say.
keep up the great work team, oh and Dan the assistant manager who works tirelessly to keep all who go in there happily entertained.
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This pub seems to be sinking fast. I heard the Governor is rubbish but it really has gone down hill fast. I go in now and again and apart from some old boys shouting or even singing in the corner it is as dead as a door nail. Go in the carpeted side as the public bar is generally full of weirdos, drunks and scary people who seem to put off anyone who comes in. The bloke who is referred to in the posting below seems to be glued on a stall whenever I go in he is there perched up inebriated offering anyone who cares to listen (in his opinion) wisely words and more worryingly a massage with his gifted hands! I avoid any eye contact as he can drive you barmy. Then there is this very annoying loud mouth Northerner and his fat bird who laughs at everything and anything and they love the sound of their own voices and he thinks he is a comedian and there is another bloke who sits there mumbling or is always asleep slumped over at the bar. The place needs doing up as there is lots of competition around now and the prices here are far to dear.
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Not a local, however found this to be a pleasent pub (on Christmas Eve) with decent beer.
MSE12 - 27 Dec 2014 16:24 |
............. PREVIOUS COMMENT on here , Having moved away from the area and just moved back gave this a go again last week. The place is as exactly how I remembered it. still quite unfriendly and hard to get to the bar and once I got there I was met by an awful girl who said nothing just raised her eyes and had a face like thunder slammed my change down and I did not even dare ask for a top up in case she went mad. Why they employed her is a mystery as she obviously does not want to be there. Beer was quite nice, Adnams Broadside at west end prices though. probably the best pub around the area despite the service.
i have been in here a few times, and to be honest its a few times to many and my last visit was the last. there are many nice pubs in the area, this is not one of them, its dark,depressive,and the locals make you feel about as welcome as a fox in a chicken coup. first of all the locals, snob city, its woodford , not windsor for god sake. The ales are decent with a good range, prices are average for the area. the food is ok. i feel allowing dogs in the lounge where food is served is just wrong and i will look up the environmental health to seek advice on this.
There was one customer who is always in this pub and he thinks he has the right to talk to others with such a disgusting tone, wine and this man do not mix and id rather just avoid him than listen to him babble on about music and from what i could make out, healing with hands.
this pub needs a big revamp and more modern décor, the fact it still has a separate bar and lounge is not a pub to be moving with the times.
Come on McMullens, pull out your finger and modernise this place. the staff would benefit from a course of customer care and not rely on the regulars to absorb the rude attitudes staff come forward with.
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What a shame!
Great building, great location, bus-stops very nearby. Went in on Saturday night the only punters were a couple who spent the evening staring at each. The perfect place for a bit of live music or... anything really.
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Went in one evening and was the only person in the bar! This seems to be a lot less busier than before. Spoke to couple blokes who arrived after me who said that the Landlord has driven everyone away or barred many. Shame as this could be a nice place with the right management. Barmaid was a glamorous buxom mature woman with a face of thunder.looked like she did not want to be there, face like a smacked backside. Do not understand why staff are like this when there are so many other places competing. Bitter was ok, only serve their own beer which is a shame.
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An interesting place-very few people in it at the time I visited. Barman helpful and friendly. What a pity that someone let slip about the secret shopper! The landlord was on his best behaviour with a fixed grin and was forced to be friendly to customers. Hopefully McMullens will realise the false report and try again - this time keeping it secret.
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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!
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A sad pale shadow of the great pub this used to be. If there was an award for most incompetent, rude landlord of the year, this pub would have won the trophy enough times to keep the original. The last 5 years has seen this pub tumble downhill. The local, friendly atmospheric ale house it used to be is sadly a distant memory. Still serves well kept beer, although the lack of non Mcmullens real ale is still a massive drawback, especially in 2013 with the amount of micro breweries around, and the growth in real ale sales in the industry, producing very high standard beer, you would have thought Mcmullens would add to their beer range. I know of many people who don't use the pub simply because one of their number don't like Mcmullens ale. Simply adding a doom bar or a Timothy Taylor on the bar would be a quick and massive improvement.
Having said this, the pub, the staff and the vast majority of its customers are very pleasant, but sadly have no chance in creating any kind of atmosphere due to the rude, aggressive, moody, unfriendly landlord, Tim, creating an atmosphere that would be more befitting of auschwitz than a local ale house in woodford green. Barring people for the very most pathetic reasons, some of which have used the pub for decades spanning many managers / landlords with no problem whatsoever.
What amazes most is the complete lack of acknowledgement of Mcmullens to the sad state of affairs that have blighted the pub over the past few years, If the landlord were to be replaced with someone with even half a personality then perhaps the scores of locals and regulars who now use the George, the travellers friend, the horse and well, the railway bell, (I could go on) might return and return this pub to the clean, tidy, friendly, warm and welcoming community pub it once was.
Sadly as always it's the people who are made to suffer, while a brainless, useless robot manager ruins what was once a thriving him of the community, here's hoping the situation changes soon....
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Came in here after ages, nice beer but McMullens only, still, newer tv's for the football I think Sky. Same unpopular Landlord who has just gone on a staff sacking spree after a drunken night and through them off the premises by all accounts after talking to a few regulars. One user said that he is the most umpopular Landlord since 1932 which is the pubs record. Anyhow who goes to a pub to chat up the landlord? Funny old pub this, could be good, lacks atmosphere.
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Get rid of the landlord and it will soon return to the great pub it was.
When he goes, we'll break out the champers and bunting.
Shame the brewery takes no notice.
Traveller's Friend is the best option in the area for a real pub experience now I'm afraid.
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What looks like a quaint pub from the outside dissappoints on the inside. I'm not at all keen on McMullens beers so I was quite dissappointed on this front to. Needs a good refurb and better beers, then it would be quite something.
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Where else do you get Home cooked specials at lunchtime, a separate public bar where dogs are welcomed? Probably the oldest beer still brewed in this country with a hint of chocolate (AK) - the cult bottled beer Strongheart. There is a golf society, weekend narrow boat excursions, a conker chamionship, Christmas Carol singing as well as Quiz nights ect. And you will still find lots of regulars in Compost Corner chewing the cud after work. The carpeted lounge is popular with ladies to catch up on the news as well as OAPs at lunchtime. Most of the staff have been here quite a while and are more like friends and the assistant manager, Mark, is very helpful.
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A nice pub spoilt by an arrogant and bullying pub manager who drinks way too much and lacks any resemblance of manners. Is often after a few snifters, to be heard slagging off his own regulars behind their backs and berating staff who try their very best to keep up a pleasant atmosphere. I think the pub owners should take a long hard look at the running of this establishment as management (well one of them anyway) gradually drives people away and sadly loses its unique "friendly local" image. A sad state of affairs for such brilliant and much needed pub in the Woodford area.
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Inoffensive, but soulless pub which lacks any warmth. Sells McMullens beers.
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Sorry, last entry meant to be on Travellers Post pub up the road.
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Having moved away from the area and just moved back gave this a go again last week. The place is as exactly how I remembered it. still quite unfriendly and hard to get to the bar and once I got there I was met by an awful girl who said nothing just raised her eyes and had a face like thunder slammed my change down and I did not even dare ask for a top up in case she went mad. Why they employed her is a mystery as she obviously does not want to be there. Beer was quite nice, Adnams Broadside at west end prices though. probably the best pub around the area despite the service.
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Had not been in for ages until last week. Same old faces in there though, quite friendly .Pub has become a souless place sadly, I was told. The new Gov is a bit of a control freak who took down all the photographs going back years and put them in a skip and has been banning lots of people. I have not met him but was told he is a bit vertically challenged and likes to throw his weight around. There wasnt much going on in there except football. Beer was alright if you like McMullans as there was nothing else on offer.
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Country beer been awarded an honour and has been served up in great condition recently but very expensive. The place seems very empty at times especially evenings unless the football is on, but they all run out as soon as the final whistle is blown. Landlord acting very odd lately, seems to have developed a nervous tic and eyes more shifty than usual. Rumour is rife that he is being given the push soon as trade is down. I hope he is better at painting and decorating than he is at running a pub otherwise he will be lost.
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Much nicer atmosphere after a certain staff member fell on his sword and left.
Everyone seems more happy and his replacement is much nicer and does what a good barman does, serves beer promptly without sticking his oar in other peoples business. Well done McMullens for sorting this quite large problem out. All we need now is for the Landlord to go on a Politeness Course and to learn how to be a normal person (welcome customers when they arrive and bid farewell when they leave for instance) and The Cricketers will once again be one of the best establishments in the area.
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Decent (McMullen's) beer at a decent price, was in the saloon bar on Saturday aftenoon on the Country best bitter, 4.3% and very well-kept. Good little drinker.
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Always like to visit here for well-kept beer and excellent food. Old fashioned in that there is a Saloon and a Public Bar, and the beer prices often end in odd pence rather being rouned up like most places. Nothing wrong with either of these qualities.
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This pub is really cute! Love the owners they are a laugh! I'd recomend to go here for the food especially
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Gem of a pub. Really nice. Great pint of Country and a nice lunchtime menu served by a glamourous wench. Well worth a visit. One of the best in the area.
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nice enough little boozer, but where are all the women? at home making tea I expect.
ask the barman if they stock any 'shots' and see the look he gives you!
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When i go drinking this is the pub that i am the most likely to visit and contary to popular belief i am only 19. The locals are very freindly and will all talk to you on a regular basis as long as they have met you once. The real ale is brilliant and the guest ales are always good. An all round good pub.
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Decent food, friendly staff, guest ales. A locals pub, welcoming all the same.
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very good boozer,if a little bit clicky but well worth popping in.quiz night recommended.
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Local's local indeed.Bit clicky...."we don't see many strangers round these parts"..Comfortable enough,older crowd(your Mum and Dad)Apparenty the real ale is good but looks warm and most unpleasant.Guinness is fine though.A wee bit pricier than other local pubs but it has a cosier quality
anonymous - 6 Jan 2006 16:36 |
Has a public & lounge bar, cheap real ale, not cheap lager and a pleasant pint of Guinness. Also, decent food served daily, 12-2pm except Sundays, charity quiz nights and even a conker competition.
It is a locals local, but they're mostly harmless old farts. I have noticed that despite they're advanced years they still have a healthy appetite for an evening of enebriation & avoiding the wife.
Has awards from Camra displayed prominently and is, in all, a very cosy old-fashioned boozer.
Probably the pick of Woodford's hostelries.
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Nice Old Mans Pub.
Most expensive pub around the area but well worth it.
Lembo - 25 Nov 2005 15:49 |
Lovely pub!
Worth coming all the way down to London for!
anonymous - 11 Dec 2003 17:32 |
A SUPERB session last night! I was there with a mate and had AK, Country and Stronghart, all of which were in excellent condition!
A good old pub sing-song took place here including some good voices,
All in all a superb virtually unspoilt traditional basic boozer.
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A quite deserted little haven on the border of South Woodford and Woodford Green, The Cricketers, was named for the Woodford Cricket club up the high road. It is nice enough, although not really for the younger crowd. It is very much a 'locals' local.
Jaris - 7 Dec 2003 10:01 |
Decent enough pub. A bit quiet for the younger patron. Good selection of lager and ale however the taste of soap was present in more than one pint. Other than this it was a pleasant experience and I would recommend a visit if you're in the area. It beats the neighbouring pubs by a good distance.
Chris Aristides - 8 Aug 2003 01:17 |
A cosy local pub slightly hidden away from the main hubbub of the high street. Friendly staff serve excellent pints of McMullen's Ak, Gladstone and Country Bitter. Food served at lunchtimes only. A local's local with an L-shaped bar offering one or two discreet drinking areas. One of the best pubs in Woodford, this pub has earned a well-deserved entry in Camra's Good Beer Guide 2003.
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