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The Clay Hall was situated at 497 Old Ford Road. This old pub was established by 1750, a time when, inconceivably today, Old Ford was something of a tourist destination – a day trip from London.  It was known for ‘cakes, cream, ale and watercress’ and in particular for eel pies.  The pub had its own pleasure grounds, one of the main features of which was a ‘Mill For Grinding People Young’.  Old ladies were invited to volunteer to be ‘ground young again’, free of charge, largely it seems for the amusement of other customers.  The pub was still present in 1938, but does not seem to have survived the Second World War.

Source: Stephen Harris

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