The Widow's Son, E3

The story behind this pub is set out below, and on a board on the outside wall of the pub, photographed by John McGraw. As you would expect the naval theme is well represented in the decor, with numerous prints of RN ships on the walls, and rows of sailors' caps on a shelf above the bar back. I also noted that the end of the bar back had some nice cut glass remaining in it, as well as "wines & spirits" and similar panels. But other than that this pub has little to recommend it. The room is dominated by a pool table in the centre of the floor, there's a small raised and balustraded area on the left as you enter via the main door with some grubby banquettes and stools, and a a couple of basic tables and chairs at the end of the room. When I was in on Monday afternoon there was a bunch of workers in high visibility jackets standing around the bar, as well as a fair number of other punters in. In fact it was doing a fairly good trade. Obviously there's no real available (keg Tetley was the best bet), and nor did I see any sign of food or menus. I doubt whether I'll visit this one again.

The pub was named in1824 and recalls a widow whose son disappeared on his first voyage.The widow prepared a hot cross bun for him every year on Good Friday.she strung these on a cord until she died. When her cottage was demolished the collection of buns was transferred to the pub.They hang from the ceiling and a new one is added each year.