Crooked Cowes Pub Owner Exposed on BBC’s “The Sheriff’s Are Coming”
A crooked pub owner from Cowes is facing the spotlight on BBC One’s prime-time hit, The Sheriff’s Are Coming. Anne Cook, boss of the Vectis Tavern, made headlines after refusing to pay a former employee what he was owed. The episode airs today at 11am (Friday, March 29th).
Wages Dispute Sparks Court Battle
Jordan White, once a dedicated worker at the Vectis Tavern, took Cook to court over unpaid wages. The bar worker clocked up extra hours but didn’t see a penny on time. “It wasn’t very fun cleaning toilets at 3 in the morning,” Jordan said. “I was out of pocket and needed the money for rent and food.”
Instead of settling up, Cook accused Jordan of theft and challenged both his hours and the money he claimed. Though Jordan won the court case, Cook stubbornly refused to pay — even going as far as challenging the judgment.
High Court & Sheriffs Step In
After months of dodging payments, Jordan took the fight to the High Court. That’s when BBC cameras rolled, following High Court certified Sheriffs Gerald Anderson and Robert Foster as they swooped in on the Isle of Wight to recover the debt.
Cook tried to dodge the bailiffs, claiming on the phone she was a silent director of a new business and that the judgment was being overturned — a move that turned out to be a blatant lie. She also attempted to lock in the Sheriffs, falsely claiming she hadn’t had a lock-in for ages.
Cash Forced Out of Crooked Cook
With the threat of having her goods seized, Cook reluctantly paid the full amount owed. However, she again failed to have the judgment set aside in court. Her health excuses and other claims lacked any evidence and did nothing to halt the enforcement.
This saga shines a harsh light on dodgy dealings in local pubs and shows how even stubborn landlords can be brought to justice.
