Blog Tracker
20-08-2021, 20:22
Visit The BRAPA site (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2021/08/brapa-in-essexes-that-nearly-got-away.html)
Ticking off every pub in the Good Beer Guide would be an admirable achievement even if every pub opened Monday-Sunday 11am to 11pm, every train service ran to time, every British village had an hourly bus, service, and rural Cornwall had plentiful taxis you could book online with fabulous phone coverage, and generous strong Wi-Fi in every pub.
It might shock you to know it isn't really like that.
The five pubs I visited last Saturday were evidence of 'when BRAPA goes wrong'. Pubs I'd previously attempted, only to be denied by a variety of reasons.
Boreham (cancelled train at Gidea Park meaning I ran out of time), Tollesbury (pub forgot to tell anyone outside the village they were delaying their reopening), Rowhedge (foot ferry cancelled, no one knows why, let's blame Covid), Colchester's British Grenadier (revised opening hours hidden in Facebook post, but not on anything else) and Colchester's Ale House (closing at 9pm due to 'the current restrictions). Only the last I blame myself for, but only a little bit!
This is why Essex was looking green, but not as green as it should, with Tollesbury positively grey.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxxUlMyepwAnE9Lp-I9XYqV6BQ3LVVfS-7AwIpTz9_NjATc5iLyE2d6CHG2FGTvae6rRh80IBjrRO0jl_oY KhMJFgN8jMXVpgn-jMAGpLQxZHBgGi3efXjSSdlvV4tUzicdfBqEvowGENLkYZB2cR 03zI3YLiVfbct3ZZ-mMkOpXgn_5lpIAx8l2htZw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxxUlMyepwAnE9Lp-I9XYqV6BQ3LVVfS-7AwIpTz9_NjATc5iLyE2d6CHG2FGTvae6rRh80IBjrRO0jl_oY KhMJFgN8jMXVpgn-jMAGpLQxZHBgGi3efXjSSdlvV4tUzicdfBqEvowGENLkYZB2cR 03zI3YLiVfbct3ZZ-mMkOpXgn_5lpIAx8l2htZw=s2816)
I was in punchy mood on Saturday morning. It was time to right those wrongs, hold the magic GBG aloft, and shout 'By the Power of BRAPA (I won't be denied!)'
There was no Man-At-Arms (Simon D, attending a beer festival), no Sorceress (Daddy BRAPA, at the football in Hull) no Orko (Tom), or even Teela (Martin Taylor), it was all down to me, Brapple Cat.
In the sleepy village of Boreham we start, 'twixt Chelmsford and Colchester but much nearer the former. It was from there I caught the bus. Boreham has a warming community 'can't wait for BRAPA to piss off' vibe:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDHlTyKHd_MXWDXU8t0sHZnCwA8-LuT9VmhS9dZweYWaXM8oXVQZt0V7fnAH-YJ88NeZqcQ9h525kZwG1FRZ3j9ZATAEpbFqw655n0bCzo-TaerIb2eZ8T2ol_FmwgX9Jjyac-1VN0X9kpAWJwiySKGcP0L_t-4w2A67zfZ4Bz6l2U6U-VFC6-dkflww=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDHlTyKHd_MXWDXU8t0sHZnCwA8-LuT9VmhS9dZweYWaXM8oXVQZt0V7fnAH-YJ88NeZqcQ9h525kZwG1FRZ3j9ZATAEpbFqw655n0bCzo-TaerIb2eZ8T2ol_FmwgX9Jjyac-1VN0X9kpAWJwiySKGcP0L_t-4w2A67zfZ4Bz6l2U6U-VFC6-dkflww=s4032)
I smiled at a man in sandals. He scuttled to the church door, banging on it loudly, seeking sanctuary:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2KDC8Iq4G-IBUJ-bo531P7qR2ulyMQeHVZxQzoSBHPrsVmqq6VOgfRLdRqT9HRRl8 GPJKnt6D7iF-WxLCP9jHe4QvUvh9V5WWWa9gNYJXzRBwRzrw2pYYkOcDK6wLDA 4gEIbod8axCK20F0jhbcwJVgc40SgQGL2WMeXyRvxV84q93H0a 9C474mMw1w=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2KDC8Iq4G-IBUJ-bo531P7qR2ulyMQeHVZxQzoSBHPrsVmqq6VOgfRLdRqT9HRRl8 GPJKnt6D7iF-WxLCP9jHe4QvUvh9V5WWWa9gNYJXzRBwRzrw2pYYkOcDK6wLDA 4gEIbod8axCK20F0jhbcwJVgc40SgQGL2WMeXyRvxV84q93H0a 9C474mMw1w=s4032)
And then the pub came into view, a sturdy looking Gray & Sons proudly displaying their old CAMRA awards on the door. It epitomised the rural Essex boozer.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj91gDAAq3O8MazwdI9qmzZIPpOtFmfHgaDaVxMhNOOJN DZhUNQTy4sWlDShEvYE2mQv8AsQW1A51pLW36IsErENmiPri4X JmfNQ3nQx5BB4BxkGyqxZe9y9ssBA2cJAERH60tcCad38er6qF fMxZPn0kcMbiZpYOkkFggNCwWqnfHqHsv1PL0g_XhN_g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj91gDAAq3O8MazwdI9qmzZIPpOtFmfHgaDaVxMhNOOJN DZhUNQTy4sWlDShEvYE2mQv8AsQW1A51pLW36IsErENmiPri4X JmfNQ3nQx5BB4BxkGyqxZe9y9ssBA2cJAERH60tcCad38er6qF fMxZPn0kcMbiZpYOkkFggNCwWqnfHqHsv1PL0g_XhN_g=s2951 )
Cars ruining pub photos - #341
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilMEA9tlvLQANRVcvYH6usQJAGMNC3G6MrkYyhcaRX-Bfc80zumgIh_ESNAwQUkr42VS8Zn_bdYvrMJm06w2dh6jYdWW4 eoNpSpW_vo85X1dy7LCdD_pfVTJTDrr8p4hcvqVDuZFYthAfvd binewpLhZkDd9yytDd4OahfCAIqVMSQVuOfnjkEXdFimQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilMEA9tlvLQANRVcvYH6usQJAGMNC3G6MrkYyhcaRX-Bfc80zumgIh_ESNAwQUkr42VS8Zn_bdYvrMJm06w2dh6jYdWW4 eoNpSpW_vo85X1dy7LCdD_pfVTJTDrr8p4hcvqVDuZFYthAfvd binewpLhZkDd9yytDd4OahfCAIqVMSQVuOfnjkEXdFimQ=s403 2)
Queen's Head, Boreham (1908 / 3337) was worth the wait, just as fellow pub ticker Eddie told me it would be when he came here to watch England beat Germany, then a local drove him back to civilisation. Sadly, I was the only indoor customer today. The landlady actually gave a bugger, you could tell, as did the other barmaid (disembodied throughout but very cheerful). I never quite got on speaking terms despite Colin doing his best to look conspicuous. There were some voices from the garden, but when you have a pub of such splendour, no reason to venture outside. The Adnams Ghost Ship was on top form, not served in a silly glass which is often the way. I'd missed the Chicken Festival by a fortnight, but most importantly I'd finally got that last Chelmsford area outlier ticked off. A good morale boosting start.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCA9f7ruJv8QHZEzdICapc68YA_jmrsmM9RTmcAbLuw5 slFVaB1bu3ODyTXBBRjvbrn8KblzswHWyUVOVYxMTEh_FsxsLm H9_7Mws4oWrQu8lEStvKzvW_rCycM6R9o3_rj5Lm8Se4v6SsDk W5n43oI4_UZUMR-oD-zLsmfimPyj5oiI2qNF2tzexi1g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCA9f7ruJv8QHZEzdICapc68YA_jmrsmM9RTmcAbLuw5 slFVaB1bu3ODyTXBBRjvbrn8KblzswHWyUVOVYxMTEh_FsxsLm H9_7Mws4oWrQu8lEStvKzvW_rCycM6R9o3_rj5Lm8Se4v6SsDk W5n43oI4_UZUMR-oD-zLsmfimPyj5oiI2qNF2tzexi1g=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV7oj4Pv-_Kw__hW0Yf_71PpRLBbNIhmRPtVIW5NopZMbRox3z5Jr7cvtT2 rZmbxO2k7e6MeHgIFH0FPUrqwRkTXu3RBXrfj2bXIU3v2ONPdB Wpfl0yosYQqpPW97topui9BIpOM4A8SrgQd3Osi-8vXJhIvZHvZSXVkF4Zwf2FMbQ2j2E4k-e3yEwCA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV7oj4Pv-_Kw__hW0Yf_71PpRLBbNIhmRPtVIW5NopZMbRox3z5Jr7cvtT2 rZmbxO2k7e6MeHgIFH0FPUrqwRkTXu3RBXrfj2bXIU3v2ONPdB Wpfl0yosYQqpPW97topui9BIpOM4A8SrgQd3Osi-8vXJhIvZHvZSXVkF4Zwf2FMbQ2j2E4k-e3yEwCA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMAYW13mnEqjM5e1S3B3BSxLBrbuEUrgEnmTUn0vG2WG AY-SFofW8VJNsh1SqXXXZYk3dss3taktsKHzJdq3a4d__tEzteTqB YuB-_O35fRrIObRAPfSDaqAPDq22EXgYunOkL5QEiAQdMz35IkqYrS u46IMy4w9j9SZovZCt8NBOWlhTK7J_b5VoSDA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMAYW13mnEqjM5e1S3B3BSxLBrbuEUrgEnmTUn0vG2WG AY-SFofW8VJNsh1SqXXXZYk3dss3taktsKHzJdq3a4d__tEzteTqB YuB-_O35fRrIObRAPfSDaqAPDq22EXgYunOkL5QEiAQdMz35IkqYrS u46IMy4w9j9SZovZCt8NBOWlhTK7J_b5VoSDA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIyJIfURFkT9cKLpfqFmrznP9AsiM77tJHIqRnK36OSZ 63t2LOI6quFU_Jyc5B5V9lKne-BDVvK6y-Rb6Mpf1ikPYsJ9fCYr6Zyt4EEyZosfK_MfhR9UEwifQ-DkcJI8Kergr8KCO7qeDVG7F-10op9govpAjmg-2yF1lnAoG5R1XzG4XTH_WfEI4U2Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIyJIfURFkT9cKLpfqFmrznP9AsiM77tJHIqRnK36OSZ 63t2LOI6quFU_Jyc5B5V9lKne-BDVvK6y-Rb6Mpf1ikPYsJ9fCYr6Zyt4EEyZosfK_MfhR9UEwifQ-DkcJI8Kergr8KCO7qeDVG7F-10op9govpAjmg-2yF1lnAoG5R1XzG4XTH_WfEI4U2Q=s4032)
A girl I know who looks just like her helped me write a best man speech in the Templar, Leeds
The long bus journey into Colchester was made longer by delays. A bloke eating fried chicken in a furtive manner (they do love their chicken in Boreham) told me to relax, it would turn up. I was extra paranoid after my Horbury fail the night before.
The bus ride was arduous, in the traffic and summer sun, and once in Colchester, I had to run down to the castle and relieve myself in the grounds (I should add there was a public loo).
I then hopped in a taxi to Tollesbury, the plan at this stage was to taxi there, then catch the 15:10 back into Colchester, buses very rare down here and without staying about 4 hours, it is hard to do the bus both directions.
Taxi driver is a top lad, Eastern European, I'm selling him the BRAPA dream, he loves it. Tells me I have a lovely voice and speak clearly! I tell him it is combination of Barnsley, York and Saffron Walden. Awestruck. I end up asking if he can hang around for 30 minutes (27.5 mins felt too nerdy on this occasion!), and transport me to Rowhedge, which is south of Colchester anyway. So much for the 15:10 back! Expensive, but it would speed up my day, with me being back on the 9pm out of Kings X.
He agrees, says he'll come in to use the loo once he's parked up. How very Valiant Trooper, Aldbury. Pub is open to my relief.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigIobyXQMUOYk79bNSoAkhElmIayyK_bcVFP_X-dJlbjeQIpJQmYIAMCyoN4Ek-v_wm80R-LJAGZF2eMUIQKYuXxvAhtDNNvbAXf9yvmqqRIWY0Mlrdf-_tgwNUxOTSgcW_9vWXFlD8_07i-3EH3X911PJWNXXhTXAXSstvkAypQ9ggVMXYnC_pXbPgg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigIobyXQMUOYk79bNSoAkhElmIayyK_bcVFP_X-dJlbjeQIpJQmYIAMCyoN4Ek-v_wm80R-LJAGZF2eMUIQKYuXxvAhtDNNvbAXf9yvmqqRIWY0Mlrdf-_tgwNUxOTSgcW_9vWXFlD8_07i-3EH3X911PJWNXXhTXAXSstvkAypQ9ggVMXYnC_pXbPgg=s821)
Bit of a cheat, these are the photos I took when it was closed in May
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7DsvKHvj6SfJCabPsqtOJCj19VSCUWba6RhVBIS-RsWkrz7Y1cQ1I2fi5ED5kTMbN7qEauCRmvGURJEWunm85VVwIy xOxXOfHuaxcxZQgXWpQeMalJGBhrMW175ZudFU1unJAE3z-fxXenJVT3NQVNu2zgiH9usaHH03HZrGQU0WkgtBMsnP-Sd2Y1A=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7DsvKHvj6SfJCabPsqtOJCj19VSCUWba6RhVBIS-RsWkrz7Y1cQ1I2fi5ED5kTMbN7qEauCRmvGURJEWunm85VVwIy xOxXOfHuaxcxZQgXWpQeMalJGBhrMW175ZudFU1unJAE3z-fxXenJVT3NQVNu2zgiH9usaHH03HZrGQU0WkgtBMsnP-Sd2Y1A=s750)
A lovely boozer is the King's Head, Tollesbury (1909 / 3338), lined with the faces and beer guts of Essex men of a certain age speaking in an accent so southern, it is hard to decipher at times. They are a friendly bunch and say "hoi" and "yiii" as I smile and make my way to the bar, ordering a pint of some black beer (not stout or porter, just very dark), called Watsum or Wensum or something. First I thought it was vinegary, but then I just realised it was really potent. Taxi driver rocks up, looking a bit nervous (he later tells me locals in pubs like this don't react well to his 'foreign' accent, so he steers well clear, which is sad to hear). I ask if he wants a drink, but he declines and goes to wait in the car. There'll be no repeat of my Allgreave experience today. Poor Colin has never been more invisible! He's sat on the newspapers, and a bloke wants to read one. He lifts up Colin, grabs a paper, and puts him back down as though the sight of a fluffy caulifower in his pub is a regular occurrence. A bloke next to me shouts "Man Utd Foive, L**ds Wan" (he didn't do the stars), so I get all animated and we have a brief chat on 'second season syndrome' but he starts praising Bielsa so I turn my other cheek. 30 mins exactly, I scoop up Colin and the GBG, plonk my glass on the bar, say thanks to the fella, run the gauntlet of cherry Harry Redknapps, and take my leave.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj18nMRp7NUT-u8vi6QY16GmFIT87AimTXqCw3DKwYJ4cy-gE9zi3QtxveYwuoHfDGt1o8a-RUbMNoI4AbNAq7T43S53iS_xGX4zrc2ZU0CDENq-7U-YZo5QU_5pKszD5QgvlZyNRQNqjNYNpDeJFnuauaiCjn9g5oUva O0VR95xnNJzycYmruj3ud3zQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj18nMRp7NUT-u8vi6QY16GmFIT87AimTXqCw3DKwYJ4cy-gE9zi3QtxveYwuoHfDGt1o8a-RUbMNoI4AbNAq7T43S53iS_xGX4zrc2ZU0CDENq-7U-YZo5QU_5pKszD5QgvlZyNRQNqjNYNpDeJFnuauaiCjn9g5oUva O0VR95xnNJzycYmruj3ud3zQ=s4032)
Col sat on the papers, unaware he was inconveniencing the local Santa Claus
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3JB9ixVvuFo6WHvyrEHBd7w4zOnjjnysG3WaGYBajM_ ZQcYQ-GDUWAXmFg2qShN4o8t3I8cgGYvb9xXFtzfiOo9jWQnPWH_SMoy 5zmVnXhbqoLDGmjM_g77J1DNENBCfYe-AKAgFtBzwOLx8wd44Wo5jmERsFUua3k3XfyDmf3jgEnW8doe7A egHYOw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3JB9ixVvuFo6WHvyrEHBd7w4zOnjjnysG3WaGYBajM_ ZQcYQ-GDUWAXmFg2qShN4o8t3I8cgGYvb9xXFtzfiOo9jWQnPWH_SMoy 5zmVnXhbqoLDGmjM_g77J1DNENBCfYe-AKAgFtBzwOLx8wd44Wo5jmERsFUua3k3XfyDmf3jgEnW8doe7A egHYOw=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBSqomsxAR0Pbc-BpvjF6AmUvHLuXQqI58RA4OhAUZp4OZV8TewE-efQM4ybF9-YKwje4lqG6MjSd1X5SM3gMpsOnazHtowKSN4vk-pyu1XQIU7SiW3K8LhSBWdb48-4xaQiG2SorsYUMaJowQO5LMP-Oremw7OYl1vEGADCXTeFQQx5lVUjyvLSdOcA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBSqomsxAR0Pbc-BpvjF6AmUvHLuXQqI58RA4OhAUZp4OZV8TewE-efQM4ybF9-YKwje4lqG6MjSd1X5SM3gMpsOnazHtowKSN4vk-pyu1XQIU7SiW3K8LhSBWdb48-4xaQiG2SorsYUMaJowQO5LMP-Oremw7OYl1vEGADCXTeFQQx5lVUjyvLSdOcA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOsQGiHRaKrVfxkUnyN3pP6C4HCB9qP-7ZAVopWWlj0PNDXWZkq0lJwvmu9lB0vZLB1u7713uO5qcdqeWI 5ciabDPYxXss74qbMI6B9Xv_fVIiM691HPoVcJcF9OOIO_lhVt j45yXeVoB40y41mKkNrMQ2HjtCPDfmBVBbtuOwImRviaAbyZ8h jmvxpg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOsQGiHRaKrVfxkUnyN3pP6C4HCB9qP-7ZAVopWWlj0PNDXWZkq0lJwvmu9lB0vZLB1u7713uO5qcdqeWI 5ciabDPYxXss74qbMI6B9Xv_fVIiM691HPoVcJcF9OOIO_lhVt j45yXeVoB40y41mKkNrMQ2HjtCPDfmBVBbtuOwImRviaAbyZ8h jmvxpg=s4032)
Taxi driver looks well chuffed. "You really were 30 minutes exactly!" he cries, not quite with tears of joy streaming down his face but happy nonetheless, like he'd thought I was gonna do a bunk out of the toilet window and run to Tolleshunt D'Arcy for some ghoulish White House Farm investigations.
Rowhedge bound, three more pubs to go, mid afternoon, it is all going well.
See you on Sunday/Monday for part two, where the pubs are, shall we say, a mixed bag!
Thanks for reading, Si
More... (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2021/08/brapa-in-essexes-that-nearly-got-away.html)
Ticking off every pub in the Good Beer Guide would be an admirable achievement even if every pub opened Monday-Sunday 11am to 11pm, every train service ran to time, every British village had an hourly bus, service, and rural Cornwall had plentiful taxis you could book online with fabulous phone coverage, and generous strong Wi-Fi in every pub.
It might shock you to know it isn't really like that.
The five pubs I visited last Saturday were evidence of 'when BRAPA goes wrong'. Pubs I'd previously attempted, only to be denied by a variety of reasons.
Boreham (cancelled train at Gidea Park meaning I ran out of time), Tollesbury (pub forgot to tell anyone outside the village they were delaying their reopening), Rowhedge (foot ferry cancelled, no one knows why, let's blame Covid), Colchester's British Grenadier (revised opening hours hidden in Facebook post, but not on anything else) and Colchester's Ale House (closing at 9pm due to 'the current restrictions). Only the last I blame myself for, but only a little bit!
This is why Essex was looking green, but not as green as it should, with Tollesbury positively grey.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxxUlMyepwAnE9Lp-I9XYqV6BQ3LVVfS-7AwIpTz9_NjATc5iLyE2d6CHG2FGTvae6rRh80IBjrRO0jl_oY KhMJFgN8jMXVpgn-jMAGpLQxZHBgGi3efXjSSdlvV4tUzicdfBqEvowGENLkYZB2cR 03zI3YLiVfbct3ZZ-mMkOpXgn_5lpIAx8l2htZw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxxUlMyepwAnE9Lp-I9XYqV6BQ3LVVfS-7AwIpTz9_NjATc5iLyE2d6CHG2FGTvae6rRh80IBjrRO0jl_oY KhMJFgN8jMXVpgn-jMAGpLQxZHBgGi3efXjSSdlvV4tUzicdfBqEvowGENLkYZB2cR 03zI3YLiVfbct3ZZ-mMkOpXgn_5lpIAx8l2htZw=s2816)
I was in punchy mood on Saturday morning. It was time to right those wrongs, hold the magic GBG aloft, and shout 'By the Power of BRAPA (I won't be denied!)'
There was no Man-At-Arms (Simon D, attending a beer festival), no Sorceress (Daddy BRAPA, at the football in Hull) no Orko (Tom), or even Teela (Martin Taylor), it was all down to me, Brapple Cat.
In the sleepy village of Boreham we start, 'twixt Chelmsford and Colchester but much nearer the former. It was from there I caught the bus. Boreham has a warming community 'can't wait for BRAPA to piss off' vibe:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDHlTyKHd_MXWDXU8t0sHZnCwA8-LuT9VmhS9dZweYWaXM8oXVQZt0V7fnAH-YJ88NeZqcQ9h525kZwG1FRZ3j9ZATAEpbFqw655n0bCzo-TaerIb2eZ8T2ol_FmwgX9Jjyac-1VN0X9kpAWJwiySKGcP0L_t-4w2A67zfZ4Bz6l2U6U-VFC6-dkflww=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDHlTyKHd_MXWDXU8t0sHZnCwA8-LuT9VmhS9dZweYWaXM8oXVQZt0V7fnAH-YJ88NeZqcQ9h525kZwG1FRZ3j9ZATAEpbFqw655n0bCzo-TaerIb2eZ8T2ol_FmwgX9Jjyac-1VN0X9kpAWJwiySKGcP0L_t-4w2A67zfZ4Bz6l2U6U-VFC6-dkflww=s4032)
I smiled at a man in sandals. He scuttled to the church door, banging on it loudly, seeking sanctuary:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2KDC8Iq4G-IBUJ-bo531P7qR2ulyMQeHVZxQzoSBHPrsVmqq6VOgfRLdRqT9HRRl8 GPJKnt6D7iF-WxLCP9jHe4QvUvh9V5WWWa9gNYJXzRBwRzrw2pYYkOcDK6wLDA 4gEIbod8axCK20F0jhbcwJVgc40SgQGL2WMeXyRvxV84q93H0a 9C474mMw1w=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2KDC8Iq4G-IBUJ-bo531P7qR2ulyMQeHVZxQzoSBHPrsVmqq6VOgfRLdRqT9HRRl8 GPJKnt6D7iF-WxLCP9jHe4QvUvh9V5WWWa9gNYJXzRBwRzrw2pYYkOcDK6wLDA 4gEIbod8axCK20F0jhbcwJVgc40SgQGL2WMeXyRvxV84q93H0a 9C474mMw1w=s4032)
And then the pub came into view, a sturdy looking Gray & Sons proudly displaying their old CAMRA awards on the door. It epitomised the rural Essex boozer.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj91gDAAq3O8MazwdI9qmzZIPpOtFmfHgaDaVxMhNOOJN DZhUNQTy4sWlDShEvYE2mQv8AsQW1A51pLW36IsErENmiPri4X JmfNQ3nQx5BB4BxkGyqxZe9y9ssBA2cJAERH60tcCad38er6qF fMxZPn0kcMbiZpYOkkFggNCwWqnfHqHsv1PL0g_XhN_g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj91gDAAq3O8MazwdI9qmzZIPpOtFmfHgaDaVxMhNOOJN DZhUNQTy4sWlDShEvYE2mQv8AsQW1A51pLW36IsErENmiPri4X JmfNQ3nQx5BB4BxkGyqxZe9y9ssBA2cJAERH60tcCad38er6qF fMxZPn0kcMbiZpYOkkFggNCwWqnfHqHsv1PL0g_XhN_g=s2951 )
Cars ruining pub photos - #341
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilMEA9tlvLQANRVcvYH6usQJAGMNC3G6MrkYyhcaRX-Bfc80zumgIh_ESNAwQUkr42VS8Zn_bdYvrMJm06w2dh6jYdWW4 eoNpSpW_vo85X1dy7LCdD_pfVTJTDrr8p4hcvqVDuZFYthAfvd binewpLhZkDd9yytDd4OahfCAIqVMSQVuOfnjkEXdFimQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilMEA9tlvLQANRVcvYH6usQJAGMNC3G6MrkYyhcaRX-Bfc80zumgIh_ESNAwQUkr42VS8Zn_bdYvrMJm06w2dh6jYdWW4 eoNpSpW_vo85X1dy7LCdD_pfVTJTDrr8p4hcvqVDuZFYthAfvd binewpLhZkDd9yytDd4OahfCAIqVMSQVuOfnjkEXdFimQ=s403 2)
Queen's Head, Boreham (1908 / 3337) was worth the wait, just as fellow pub ticker Eddie told me it would be when he came here to watch England beat Germany, then a local drove him back to civilisation. Sadly, I was the only indoor customer today. The landlady actually gave a bugger, you could tell, as did the other barmaid (disembodied throughout but very cheerful). I never quite got on speaking terms despite Colin doing his best to look conspicuous. There were some voices from the garden, but when you have a pub of such splendour, no reason to venture outside. The Adnams Ghost Ship was on top form, not served in a silly glass which is often the way. I'd missed the Chicken Festival by a fortnight, but most importantly I'd finally got that last Chelmsford area outlier ticked off. A good morale boosting start.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCA9f7ruJv8QHZEzdICapc68YA_jmrsmM9RTmcAbLuw5 slFVaB1bu3ODyTXBBRjvbrn8KblzswHWyUVOVYxMTEh_FsxsLm H9_7Mws4oWrQu8lEStvKzvW_rCycM6R9o3_rj5Lm8Se4v6SsDk W5n43oI4_UZUMR-oD-zLsmfimPyj5oiI2qNF2tzexi1g=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCA9f7ruJv8QHZEzdICapc68YA_jmrsmM9RTmcAbLuw5 slFVaB1bu3ODyTXBBRjvbrn8KblzswHWyUVOVYxMTEh_FsxsLm H9_7Mws4oWrQu8lEStvKzvW_rCycM6R9o3_rj5Lm8Se4v6SsDk W5n43oI4_UZUMR-oD-zLsmfimPyj5oiI2qNF2tzexi1g=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV7oj4Pv-_Kw__hW0Yf_71PpRLBbNIhmRPtVIW5NopZMbRox3z5Jr7cvtT2 rZmbxO2k7e6MeHgIFH0FPUrqwRkTXu3RBXrfj2bXIU3v2ONPdB Wpfl0yosYQqpPW97topui9BIpOM4A8SrgQd3Osi-8vXJhIvZHvZSXVkF4Zwf2FMbQ2j2E4k-e3yEwCA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV7oj4Pv-_Kw__hW0Yf_71PpRLBbNIhmRPtVIW5NopZMbRox3z5Jr7cvtT2 rZmbxO2k7e6MeHgIFH0FPUrqwRkTXu3RBXrfj2bXIU3v2ONPdB Wpfl0yosYQqpPW97topui9BIpOM4A8SrgQd3Osi-8vXJhIvZHvZSXVkF4Zwf2FMbQ2j2E4k-e3yEwCA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMAYW13mnEqjM5e1S3B3BSxLBrbuEUrgEnmTUn0vG2WG AY-SFofW8VJNsh1SqXXXZYk3dss3taktsKHzJdq3a4d__tEzteTqB YuB-_O35fRrIObRAPfSDaqAPDq22EXgYunOkL5QEiAQdMz35IkqYrS u46IMy4w9j9SZovZCt8NBOWlhTK7J_b5VoSDA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMAYW13mnEqjM5e1S3B3BSxLBrbuEUrgEnmTUn0vG2WG AY-SFofW8VJNsh1SqXXXZYk3dss3taktsKHzJdq3a4d__tEzteTqB YuB-_O35fRrIObRAPfSDaqAPDq22EXgYunOkL5QEiAQdMz35IkqYrS u46IMy4w9j9SZovZCt8NBOWlhTK7J_b5VoSDA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIyJIfURFkT9cKLpfqFmrznP9AsiM77tJHIqRnK36OSZ 63t2LOI6quFU_Jyc5B5V9lKne-BDVvK6y-Rb6Mpf1ikPYsJ9fCYr6Zyt4EEyZosfK_MfhR9UEwifQ-DkcJI8Kergr8KCO7qeDVG7F-10op9govpAjmg-2yF1lnAoG5R1XzG4XTH_WfEI4U2Q=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIyJIfURFkT9cKLpfqFmrznP9AsiM77tJHIqRnK36OSZ 63t2LOI6quFU_Jyc5B5V9lKne-BDVvK6y-Rb6Mpf1ikPYsJ9fCYr6Zyt4EEyZosfK_MfhR9UEwifQ-DkcJI8Kergr8KCO7qeDVG7F-10op9govpAjmg-2yF1lnAoG5R1XzG4XTH_WfEI4U2Q=s4032)
A girl I know who looks just like her helped me write a best man speech in the Templar, Leeds
The long bus journey into Colchester was made longer by delays. A bloke eating fried chicken in a furtive manner (they do love their chicken in Boreham) told me to relax, it would turn up. I was extra paranoid after my Horbury fail the night before.
The bus ride was arduous, in the traffic and summer sun, and once in Colchester, I had to run down to the castle and relieve myself in the grounds (I should add there was a public loo).
I then hopped in a taxi to Tollesbury, the plan at this stage was to taxi there, then catch the 15:10 back into Colchester, buses very rare down here and without staying about 4 hours, it is hard to do the bus both directions.
Taxi driver is a top lad, Eastern European, I'm selling him the BRAPA dream, he loves it. Tells me I have a lovely voice and speak clearly! I tell him it is combination of Barnsley, York and Saffron Walden. Awestruck. I end up asking if he can hang around for 30 minutes (27.5 mins felt too nerdy on this occasion!), and transport me to Rowhedge, which is south of Colchester anyway. So much for the 15:10 back! Expensive, but it would speed up my day, with me being back on the 9pm out of Kings X.
He agrees, says he'll come in to use the loo once he's parked up. How very Valiant Trooper, Aldbury. Pub is open to my relief.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigIobyXQMUOYk79bNSoAkhElmIayyK_bcVFP_X-dJlbjeQIpJQmYIAMCyoN4Ek-v_wm80R-LJAGZF2eMUIQKYuXxvAhtDNNvbAXf9yvmqqRIWY0Mlrdf-_tgwNUxOTSgcW_9vWXFlD8_07i-3EH3X911PJWNXXhTXAXSstvkAypQ9ggVMXYnC_pXbPgg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigIobyXQMUOYk79bNSoAkhElmIayyK_bcVFP_X-dJlbjeQIpJQmYIAMCyoN4Ek-v_wm80R-LJAGZF2eMUIQKYuXxvAhtDNNvbAXf9yvmqqRIWY0Mlrdf-_tgwNUxOTSgcW_9vWXFlD8_07i-3EH3X911PJWNXXhTXAXSstvkAypQ9ggVMXYnC_pXbPgg=s821)
Bit of a cheat, these are the photos I took when it was closed in May
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7DsvKHvj6SfJCabPsqtOJCj19VSCUWba6RhVBIS-RsWkrz7Y1cQ1I2fi5ED5kTMbN7qEauCRmvGURJEWunm85VVwIy xOxXOfHuaxcxZQgXWpQeMalJGBhrMW175ZudFU1unJAE3z-fxXenJVT3NQVNu2zgiH9usaHH03HZrGQU0WkgtBMsnP-Sd2Y1A=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7DsvKHvj6SfJCabPsqtOJCj19VSCUWba6RhVBIS-RsWkrz7Y1cQ1I2fi5ED5kTMbN7qEauCRmvGURJEWunm85VVwIy xOxXOfHuaxcxZQgXWpQeMalJGBhrMW175ZudFU1unJAE3z-fxXenJVT3NQVNu2zgiH9usaHH03HZrGQU0WkgtBMsnP-Sd2Y1A=s750)
A lovely boozer is the King's Head, Tollesbury (1909 / 3338), lined with the faces and beer guts of Essex men of a certain age speaking in an accent so southern, it is hard to decipher at times. They are a friendly bunch and say "hoi" and "yiii" as I smile and make my way to the bar, ordering a pint of some black beer (not stout or porter, just very dark), called Watsum or Wensum or something. First I thought it was vinegary, but then I just realised it was really potent. Taxi driver rocks up, looking a bit nervous (he later tells me locals in pubs like this don't react well to his 'foreign' accent, so he steers well clear, which is sad to hear). I ask if he wants a drink, but he declines and goes to wait in the car. There'll be no repeat of my Allgreave experience today. Poor Colin has never been more invisible! He's sat on the newspapers, and a bloke wants to read one. He lifts up Colin, grabs a paper, and puts him back down as though the sight of a fluffy caulifower in his pub is a regular occurrence. A bloke next to me shouts "Man Utd Foive, L**ds Wan" (he didn't do the stars), so I get all animated and we have a brief chat on 'second season syndrome' but he starts praising Bielsa so I turn my other cheek. 30 mins exactly, I scoop up Colin and the GBG, plonk my glass on the bar, say thanks to the fella, run the gauntlet of cherry Harry Redknapps, and take my leave.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj18nMRp7NUT-u8vi6QY16GmFIT87AimTXqCw3DKwYJ4cy-gE9zi3QtxveYwuoHfDGt1o8a-RUbMNoI4AbNAq7T43S53iS_xGX4zrc2ZU0CDENq-7U-YZo5QU_5pKszD5QgvlZyNRQNqjNYNpDeJFnuauaiCjn9g5oUva O0VR95xnNJzycYmruj3ud3zQ=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj18nMRp7NUT-u8vi6QY16GmFIT87AimTXqCw3DKwYJ4cy-gE9zi3QtxveYwuoHfDGt1o8a-RUbMNoI4AbNAq7T43S53iS_xGX4zrc2ZU0CDENq-7U-YZo5QU_5pKszD5QgvlZyNRQNqjNYNpDeJFnuauaiCjn9g5oUva O0VR95xnNJzycYmruj3ud3zQ=s4032)
Col sat on the papers, unaware he was inconveniencing the local Santa Claus
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3JB9ixVvuFo6WHvyrEHBd7w4zOnjjnysG3WaGYBajM_ ZQcYQ-GDUWAXmFg2qShN4o8t3I8cgGYvb9xXFtzfiOo9jWQnPWH_SMoy 5zmVnXhbqoLDGmjM_g77J1DNENBCfYe-AKAgFtBzwOLx8wd44Wo5jmERsFUua3k3XfyDmf3jgEnW8doe7A egHYOw=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3JB9ixVvuFo6WHvyrEHBd7w4zOnjjnysG3WaGYBajM_ ZQcYQ-GDUWAXmFg2qShN4o8t3I8cgGYvb9xXFtzfiOo9jWQnPWH_SMoy 5zmVnXhbqoLDGmjM_g77J1DNENBCfYe-AKAgFtBzwOLx8wd44Wo5jmERsFUua3k3XfyDmf3jgEnW8doe7A egHYOw=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBSqomsxAR0Pbc-BpvjF6AmUvHLuXQqI58RA4OhAUZp4OZV8TewE-efQM4ybF9-YKwje4lqG6MjSd1X5SM3gMpsOnazHtowKSN4vk-pyu1XQIU7SiW3K8LhSBWdb48-4xaQiG2SorsYUMaJowQO5LMP-Oremw7OYl1vEGADCXTeFQQx5lVUjyvLSdOcA=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBSqomsxAR0Pbc-BpvjF6AmUvHLuXQqI58RA4OhAUZp4OZV8TewE-efQM4ybF9-YKwje4lqG6MjSd1X5SM3gMpsOnazHtowKSN4vk-pyu1XQIU7SiW3K8LhSBWdb48-4xaQiG2SorsYUMaJowQO5LMP-Oremw7OYl1vEGADCXTeFQQx5lVUjyvLSdOcA=s4032)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOsQGiHRaKrVfxkUnyN3pP6C4HCB9qP-7ZAVopWWlj0PNDXWZkq0lJwvmu9lB0vZLB1u7713uO5qcdqeWI 5ciabDPYxXss74qbMI6B9Xv_fVIiM691HPoVcJcF9OOIO_lhVt j45yXeVoB40y41mKkNrMQ2HjtCPDfmBVBbtuOwImRviaAbyZ8h jmvxpg=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOsQGiHRaKrVfxkUnyN3pP6C4HCB9qP-7ZAVopWWlj0PNDXWZkq0lJwvmu9lB0vZLB1u7713uO5qcdqeWI 5ciabDPYxXss74qbMI6B9Xv_fVIiM691HPoVcJcF9OOIO_lhVt j45yXeVoB40y41mKkNrMQ2HjtCPDfmBVBbtuOwImRviaAbyZ8h jmvxpg=s4032)
Taxi driver looks well chuffed. "You really were 30 minutes exactly!" he cries, not quite with tears of joy streaming down his face but happy nonetheless, like he'd thought I was gonna do a bunk out of the toilet window and run to Tolleshunt D'Arcy for some ghoulish White House Farm investigations.
Rowhedge bound, three more pubs to go, mid afternoon, it is all going well.
See you on Sunday/Monday for part two, where the pubs are, shall we say, a mixed bag!
Thanks for reading, Si
More... (http://brapa-4500.blogspot.com/2021/08/brapa-in-essexes-that-nearly-got-away.html)