Beer Retailer, Bow

Henry Coles became the tenant of 61, Jodrell Road, Wick Lane in 1911.  He is shown here with his wife, Mary Jane, outside their premises while above the door, and in the window, a sign proclaims “UNDER ENTIRELY NEW MANAGEMENT”.  

The postcard was sent to his Uncle and Aunt in Fisherton, Salsibury, Wiltshire.  The message on the postcard from Harry says:

 “Just a card to show you our new home ....... With love from us all”.

The shop was formerly a grocery and became a Beer Retailer in 1908. 

It  was tied to the local brewer, Mann, Crossman and Pauline of Mile End, who willingly supplied sign boards to hang outside their outlets.  These advertised their name and their beers.  The term “Beer Retailer” was later changed to an “Off Licence”.  

The family had left Jodrell Road by 1931.  

By the end of the Second World War these premises no longer existed - possibly destroyed by enemy bombing.