The Cricketers, Fordham Heath

This pub is local to me, its by far the best in the village, though there competition is not exactly hot.

Its a very nice traditional pub with well kept beer and guest ales from time to time. Its spacious and has a decent beer garden with a climbing frame/slide to amuse the kids.

Foodwise, its very good. Its changed hands since "Kievgate" and the barman is friendly and also supports events in the community. The food is however on the expensive side, possibly overpriced, and popping down with my family for dinner can be rather expensive, hence I'm not a frequent user. There are deals on on a Sunday etc.

Pubwise, its very spacious and the log fires in winter are fantastic, theres a good range of armchairs and sofas which give the place a relaxed feeling. There is a telly, but no sky which is a bit bizarre and a little disappointing, but I guess that you can't have a foody pub, a sports bar and a normal pub all rolled into one.

I think more could be made of the pub garden, as there is far too much of a parking area, and the location looking out onto Fordham Heath and the village cricket pitch is idyllic, much could be made of a seating area out the front to take advantage of the scenery.

Its not busy of a weekday evening and the weekend evenings give a good atmosphere, its not chavvy in the least. The fruit machine/quiz machine is virtually inaccessible if there is anyone at the bar.

All in all, it is a good country pub, with even better potential, where you can get decent food and a good pint, though at a price.

7 May 2008 12:47