Pub of the Week: The Three Cranes, Rotherham

 Then it housed a butcher’s shop and a printers and stationers and slowly fell into disrepair and decay.
No one seemed to care that this was the town’s only surviving example of a late medieval building – until, that is, the local Civic Society started a campaign to rescue and restore it.
A local businessman called Chris Hamby joined in, pulled together a team of specialists, and, after a great deal of effort and expenditure, the Cranes is once again open, and – by all accounts – flourishing.
It is, of course, a listed building, so very little can be done to its structure – which is why there is no kitchen (so only snacks are served) and why the loos are up a flight of stairs, and through a function room, which, on one wall, carries a useful potted history of the building. You can also ask to see other areas, where the story of the Cranes is explained, and treasures found during the journey of making the building safe and viable are on show.
There is only one bar, but the seating area is well laid-out with settles, stools and wooden tables. If you are seeking that elusive thing called “atmosphere”, you will find it in spades. There’s also a fine local Three Cranes Cask Ale to sample. A blackboard behind the bar gives information on other quality beers and lagers. Following today’s trend, there is a fine selection of gins, and a nice little collection of wines.
The Three Cranes, 25-27 High Street, Rotherham. S60 1PT.

About The Author

Phil Penfold

A journalist for over half century, Phil writes over a broad range of subjects, including food and drink. He has been a long-term CAMRA member and is a keen supporter of Yorkshire's many and varied markets and independent retailers.

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