Whispers of cricket and ale filled the air. This is The Cricketers a pub with a story as rich as its ales. Standing before you is a building steeped in history a place where laughter echoes through the years. It first served beer in 1848. The Cricketers we know today rose from the ashes of a previous iteration. It was completely rebuilt in 1927. Only the cellar and a single stone remained. That stone now rests in the kitchen extension. A testament to the enduring spirit of this establishment.
The name The Cricketers remains a mystery. Local lore suggests a connection to a cricket club. Perhaps one that once used the grounds near Jubilee Hospital. Bob Hughes a long-time patron and local historian believes this to be the likely explanation. Its name is truly an enigma. The Woodford Cricket Club always used the Castle Hotel as its base.
Throughout the years The Cricketers has seen many changes. It gained a wine and spirits license in 1927. Previously it had only sold beer. Refurbishments in the 1950s and 1990s shaped the pub we see today. The 1950s update combined the public bar and snug creating the new lounge. McMullens the brewery that owns it preserved the traditional distinction between the bars. The public bar offered cheaper prices than the carpeted lounge attracting different clientele. A friendly rivalry blossomed between the two. The 1998 renovation enlarged the bar replaced the cast iron tables and introduced television to the public bar.
The Cricketers has hosted memorable events. A cricket match between its own team and the Woodford Cricket Club marked the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. The pub’s commitment to quality real ale is evident in its CAMRA listing. It was even named London pub of the year in 1992.
The Cricketers stands as a symbol of community. It’s a place where people gather. Many groups meet regularly for drinks and conversation. It is a unique place one that has managed to endure against the tide of development. Its dual bars are a testament to its enduring character.
The Cricketers isn’t just a pub. It is a living testament to history. It is a place where stories are made. Where the past whispers to the present. Raise a glass to The Cricketers a true London landmark.