Blog Tracker
08-01-2022, 23:32
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-swan-delivers-on-all-fronts.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSzGtUOHtHaz0i10XEIyCEVQFmgu8bjesW60nKgQ7Ci1 gVInlg4sf-YXVdOch207_b5trMl6Kc1dgz3Kf6iagXXWROKyPzolHl9GSeW9 L85pSmq17-KvLBNTu-_OtiAJ4swntHoFfCuLJLqevViHnqDxhraHky0iPuwQ8h5Zprr5 tIE5i4HDuB-3dQ=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSzGtUOHtHaz0i10XEIyCEVQFmgu8bjesW60nKgQ7Ci1 gVInlg4sf-YXVdOch207_b5trMl6Kc1dgz3Kf6iagXXWROKyPzolHl9GSeW9 L85pSmq17-KvLBNTu-_OtiAJ4swntHoFfCuLJLqevViHnqDxhraHky0iPuwQ8h5Zprr5 tIE5i4HDuB-3dQ=s3881)
After that unsuccessful visit to Swan on the Green at West Peckham, back in October (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2021/10/fancy-lunchtime-pint-on-monday-its-lot.html) – the one where I nearly got roped in as an extra, on a TV series, I thought I’d try for better luck second time around. So, after boarding the No. 7 bus, fromTonbridge, I alighted at the nearby village of Mereworth, in order to walk to the Swan.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTxiprCCvQslnLzJGBMb-WmoVWouWReK7XOSBuIXxD3oQZ_AW9U41oAy5QPurW2BSpEZmGa 2i1ARmkPURqyv8OCL5zsN5nRjkO7dHWIM28C4zIL-_cL5o2yFGetWT7-5NwNeMaBqGD3Q0DcXA-vYtrupI946FibXtD0clMm7SzMQnWd0ixM_Pb4R5e=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTxiprCCvQslnLzJGBMb-WmoVWouWReK7XOSBuIXxD3oQZ_AW9U41oAy5QPurW2BSpEZmGa 2i1ARmkPURqyv8OCL5zsN5nRjkO7dHWIM28C4zIL-_cL5o2yFGetWT7-5NwNeMaBqGD3Q0DcXA-vYtrupI946FibXtD0clMm7SzMQnWd0ixM_Pb4R5e=s4000)
The temperatures were about 10 degrees colder than my previous visit, the leaves were now all missing from the trees, and there were clumps of mistletoe hanging high up in the branches of one in particular. Apart from that, little seemed to have changed, as I made my way towards West Peckham. Entering the village, I passed the Old Post Office that, on my previous visit, was being used as filming location for the Larkin’s TV series. With the church on my right, and the village green straight ahead, I rounded the corner.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitSgokcShef6Grkcf_jJm7Y9YHL-mmRBQGJEU8EtTmcLQ4HNzqFuX4yDzn2fIeiY6wpj4MtYMi9FW5 KYPwQxEJimZJ3wztZmXoy7EpJ0l-TB2UDpwWGJAl6HpxN5ZsnojHCOzx74UyP72uYXeqQ6I-PAADrAA0wUayTVHi0wJdBTIvxPeZETvB4JRv=w400-h216 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitSgokcShef6Grkcf_jJm7Y9YHL-mmRBQGJEU8EtTmcLQ4HNzqFuX4yDzn2fIeiY6wpj4MtYMi9FW5 KYPwQxEJimZJ3wztZmXoy7EpJ0l-TB2UDpwWGJAl6HpxN5ZsnojHCOzx74UyP72uYXeqQ6I-PAADrAA0wUayTVHi0wJdBTIvxPeZETvB4JRv=s3862)
I made a beeline for the Swan, although for one heart-stopping moment I thought it was shut. Fortunately, I could see lights inside, so I was very relieved when I turned handle and pushed door open. There was a small number of people inside, and in between looking around and taking in the scene, I approached the bar.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ2Syq8mqdjV3sDjwWkuu6Cy9Y_tAHj0BS2mWuYL4yx2 VuQ6gjTVJrR1iUZVBvorbC5YvdNvaJ-AiSKqmR7pfyMrQ5A9CjP-H_SO9J2qOQujNMqjXnFzo6EFu_gdNAot1crY6B1eOimp9GsZVA cvuxGrxinir0coLIHUBQ9n-9OUt255FCHUYOTQyG=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ2Syq8mqdjV3sDjwWkuu6Cy9Y_tAHj0BS2mWuYL4yx2 VuQ6gjTVJrR1iUZVBvorbC5YvdNvaJ-AiSKqmR7pfyMrQ5A9CjP-H_SO9J2qOQujNMqjXnFzo6EFu_gdNAot1crY6B1eOimp9GsZVA cvuxGrxinir0coLIHUBQ9n-9OUt255FCHUYOTQyG=s4000)
I was greeted by a bank of hand pulls showing the range of the pub’s home-brewed beers. I opted for the weakest to start with – Fuggles Pale, 3.6% ABV. I had a brief chat with the barman about trade and the effect of the filming that had closed the pub on my last visit. He said that trade was quite buoyant, and the series had provided a welcome boost.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZCMMa7A1jMWTM6SLkS7kKJsRRSN5ssHBFM22Q6wPwow WMyBnjx-u-aQnctR1rJsZ_C7z5pUBx-c4t4O2o7Ay-v1N3wneNtnF512ZmTIM7SOuQBmaM75xxFvpMVsQqXCEQHgkH5-Aluahs3LzOdEX8G2U_2KgeFfuBm1QxYJ59EcsiGk2lwUAD-An8=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZCMMa7A1jMWTM6SLkS7kKJsRRSN5ssHBFM22Q6wPwow WMyBnjx-u-aQnctR1rJsZ_C7z5pUBx-c4t4O2o7Ay-v1N3wneNtnF512ZmTIM7SOuQBmaM75xxFvpMVsQqXCEQHgkH5-Aluahs3LzOdEX8G2U_2KgeFfuBm1QxYJ59EcsiGk2lwUAD-An8=s2982)
I walked over to the far right of pub, and sat myself down at a vacant table, near to the roaring log fire, but not too close to it. Not long after, a couple of fellas came in. They looked a similar age to me, and from their conversation with the people behind the bar, they were obviously regulars. They ordered a pint each of the Swan’s Christmas Ale; a beer I had already clocked at 6.8% ABV. I was surprised to see how dark it was – similar in colour to Harvey’s Old, but obviously quite a bit stronger. Watching the pair getting stuck into their pints with relish, persuaded me give it a try once I had finished my pale ale. I picked up a copy of the local CAMRA branch magazine, from the stack, next to the fireplace. It was Draught Copy, written and published by Maidstone & Mid-Kent CAMRA. I was pleased to see it was still going strong, as, 35 years ago, I was the editor of this illustrious publication, although it was just a folded, four-page news-sheet back then.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZXTAwldOD1qdP4HSyO779A2tlnmRQo5JXHB9Hrc6AH1 H72e_d9LaCuwrKYf2yTLdO-fOiOdQv544rk-gXg2XadL56c-QSgidSEBeYyCI_doJOWrFG3MaAu8qMTeKcV-8306iAC5QpRE4QZO3UnTSDCk_43zYZdLh1jdLSz7AEjQS3S0Tw dfF7icNs=w270-h400 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZXTAwldOD1qdP4HSyO779A2tlnmRQo5JXHB9Hrc6AH1 H72e_d9LaCuwrKYf2yTLdO-fOiOdQv544rk-gXg2XadL56c-QSgidSEBeYyCI_doJOWrFG3MaAu8qMTeKcV-8306iAC5QpRE4QZO3UnTSDCk_43zYZdLh1jdLSz7AEjQS3S0Tw dfF7icNs=s3187)
With the prospect of Christmas Ale occupying my thoughts, I decided it would be wise to grab something to eat first. I didn’t want anything too heavy, so I opted for soup of the day, parsnip as it turned out and served with some thick crusty bread and butter. In the meantime, several more people arrived, including a couple with their dog. They asked if they could sit at the same table as me, which was fine, as it was large enough table and with plenty of room. The dog made itself at home, on the floor beneath, but not before as its owners pointed out, doing a quick recce for crumbs, or other pieces of dropped food. There wasn’t any, but I exchanged pleasantries with the couple as they made themselves comfortable in front of the fire. They were heading out on circular walk, along part of Greensand Ridge that runs nearby, but had called in at the Swan for quick a drink first.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7e0ZtGDASQykfOgqgp2nYjnw50yJP5s0A18mNCuHB2c fqith0fCSDgVB_stISKo4wlx1vUve1zDxZ5kB3W5maXAyRN6ue 751b6teJqq5PKkQsK-cqLOFe1rU2FhZe__zZlbrnBW3JIZO6eP1oyVtPTv1mAgwtOcIm whd_0tk62_SficYHVIbn1eS0=w225-h400 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7e0ZtGDASQykfOgqgp2nYjnw50yJP5s0A18mNCuHB2c fqith0fCSDgVB_stISKo4wlx1vUve1zDxZ5kB3W5maXAyRN6ue 751b6teJqq5PKkQsK-cqLOFe1rU2FhZe__zZlbrnBW3JIZO6eP1oyVtPTv1mAgwtOcIm whd_0tk62_SficYHVIbn1eS0=s4000)
By this time, I was tucking into my soup, which was tasty and nice and warming. I ordered a pint of Christmas Ale, before finishing lunch, and quickly got into that as well. The beer was excellent, being rich, dark, and warming. I can safely say that hand on heart it was by far the best Christmas ale I have had over the entire festive season. Others in the pub obviously thought the same, as one of the two blokes opposite, went for a second, whilst one of the other recent arrivals also ordered a pint. With a potency of 6.8%, the Swan’s Christmas Ale is obviously a beer to be treated with respect, despite its apparent popularity. But if, like me, you’ve arrived on foot and don’t need to drive, later in the day, then you can sink a couple with impunity. I imagine this applies to many who live in West Peckham, as they are in effect, a captive audience.
The pub is easy to walk to, and as the village is on road to nowhere, there is not much traffic about, making walking relatively safe. This was evident when I left the Swan, to walk the mile and a half back to Mereworth, and the bus home. I reflected on leaving about how good it was to see a thriving village local, and one that is not wholly dependent on the food trade.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVjawzTp8PSsNb4XZazZvB48l4u1c5nKqwrc3US0VxM1 DCM3lTUgqkg7X0SYc33rYiHyrLFVNwCEMNZV2HUFJVWnZXtq5R sL6kCyQ83CzXU9K-J4iYG__EuRSTefAjbHZOUPO3Uh3IG3RnNysb-zQTGCtSf6H-dTauUvR01vE356XgTMYKu7fojIv1=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVjawzTp8PSsNb4XZazZvB48l4u1c5nKqwrc3US0VxM1 DCM3lTUgqkg7X0SYc33rYiHyrLFVNwCEMNZV2HUFJVWnZXtq5R sL6kCyQ83CzXU9K-J4iYG__EuRSTefAjbHZOUPO3Uh3IG3RnNysb-zQTGCtSf6H-dTauUvR01vE356XgTMYKu7fojIv1=s4000)
It’s also worth noting that the Swan has been brewing its own beers for over 20 years now, so they are well-established and obviously popular with the locals. They also continue to attract visiting cask aficionadas like me, along with CAMRA members from both West Kent and Maidstone branches. I reached the bus stop, opposite Mereworth school, in time to catch the 15.08 serviceback to Tonbridge. After calling in at the building society, I walked along to Matthew’s shop. He was knocking off at 4pm, so I waited for him to finish, and we walked home together. Looking at my Smart Watch later, I had clocked up just under 14,000 steps, which wasn’t bad for a day’s walk.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLg7tTHJpvhrsVDMVqYmJz16qeAokpuwsnpsGRZxWYaY 2BWZ_eHeNeXr6omlZcZHX_fC8F7QkCAzIB-RU2-XZ0XWsBvK2t3SpuE7FWJJf6hS5fbqvhScmpZSBuSxgUGOOWrhX oYQGU4JD2AgifwZzejroFNReuKnTbsX5-woupTIYdCxpmqH1cOYA5=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLg7tTHJpvhrsVDMVqYmJz16qeAokpuwsnpsGRZxWYaY 2BWZ_eHeNeXr6omlZcZHX_fC8F7QkCAzIB-RU2-XZ0XWsBvK2t3SpuE7FWJJf6hS5fbqvhScmpZSBuSxgUGOOWrhX oYQGU4JD2AgifwZzejroFNReuKnTbsX5-woupTIYdCxpmqH1cOYA5=s4000)
Looking back through the archives, I visited the Swan, back in 2018 – almost three year’s exactly to the day. Clicking on the link here (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-swan-on-green-west-peckham.html), will allow you to read about that visit, along with a detailed history of the pub and its highly successful, on-site brewery.
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More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-swan-delivers-on-all-fronts.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSzGtUOHtHaz0i10XEIyCEVQFmgu8bjesW60nKgQ7Ci1 gVInlg4sf-YXVdOch207_b5trMl6Kc1dgz3Kf6iagXXWROKyPzolHl9GSeW9 L85pSmq17-KvLBNTu-_OtiAJ4swntHoFfCuLJLqevViHnqDxhraHky0iPuwQ8h5Zprr5 tIE5i4HDuB-3dQ=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSzGtUOHtHaz0i10XEIyCEVQFmgu8bjesW60nKgQ7Ci1 gVInlg4sf-YXVdOch207_b5trMl6Kc1dgz3Kf6iagXXWROKyPzolHl9GSeW9 L85pSmq17-KvLBNTu-_OtiAJ4swntHoFfCuLJLqevViHnqDxhraHky0iPuwQ8h5Zprr5 tIE5i4HDuB-3dQ=s3881)
After that unsuccessful visit to Swan on the Green at West Peckham, back in October (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2021/10/fancy-lunchtime-pint-on-monday-its-lot.html) – the one where I nearly got roped in as an extra, on a TV series, I thought I’d try for better luck second time around. So, after boarding the No. 7 bus, fromTonbridge, I alighted at the nearby village of Mereworth, in order to walk to the Swan.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTxiprCCvQslnLzJGBMb-WmoVWouWReK7XOSBuIXxD3oQZ_AW9U41oAy5QPurW2BSpEZmGa 2i1ARmkPURqyv8OCL5zsN5nRjkO7dHWIM28C4zIL-_cL5o2yFGetWT7-5NwNeMaBqGD3Q0DcXA-vYtrupI946FibXtD0clMm7SzMQnWd0ixM_Pb4R5e=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTxiprCCvQslnLzJGBMb-WmoVWouWReK7XOSBuIXxD3oQZ_AW9U41oAy5QPurW2BSpEZmGa 2i1ARmkPURqyv8OCL5zsN5nRjkO7dHWIM28C4zIL-_cL5o2yFGetWT7-5NwNeMaBqGD3Q0DcXA-vYtrupI946FibXtD0clMm7SzMQnWd0ixM_Pb4R5e=s4000)
The temperatures were about 10 degrees colder than my previous visit, the leaves were now all missing from the trees, and there were clumps of mistletoe hanging high up in the branches of one in particular. Apart from that, little seemed to have changed, as I made my way towards West Peckham. Entering the village, I passed the Old Post Office that, on my previous visit, was being used as filming location for the Larkin’s TV series. With the church on my right, and the village green straight ahead, I rounded the corner.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitSgokcShef6Grkcf_jJm7Y9YHL-mmRBQGJEU8EtTmcLQ4HNzqFuX4yDzn2fIeiY6wpj4MtYMi9FW5 KYPwQxEJimZJ3wztZmXoy7EpJ0l-TB2UDpwWGJAl6HpxN5ZsnojHCOzx74UyP72uYXeqQ6I-PAADrAA0wUayTVHi0wJdBTIvxPeZETvB4JRv=w400-h216 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitSgokcShef6Grkcf_jJm7Y9YHL-mmRBQGJEU8EtTmcLQ4HNzqFuX4yDzn2fIeiY6wpj4MtYMi9FW5 KYPwQxEJimZJ3wztZmXoy7EpJ0l-TB2UDpwWGJAl6HpxN5ZsnojHCOzx74UyP72uYXeqQ6I-PAADrAA0wUayTVHi0wJdBTIvxPeZETvB4JRv=s3862)
I made a beeline for the Swan, although for one heart-stopping moment I thought it was shut. Fortunately, I could see lights inside, so I was very relieved when I turned handle and pushed door open. There was a small number of people inside, and in between looking around and taking in the scene, I approached the bar.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ2Syq8mqdjV3sDjwWkuu6Cy9Y_tAHj0BS2mWuYL4yx2 VuQ6gjTVJrR1iUZVBvorbC5YvdNvaJ-AiSKqmR7pfyMrQ5A9CjP-H_SO9J2qOQujNMqjXnFzo6EFu_gdNAot1crY6B1eOimp9GsZVA cvuxGrxinir0coLIHUBQ9n-9OUt255FCHUYOTQyG=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ2Syq8mqdjV3sDjwWkuu6Cy9Y_tAHj0BS2mWuYL4yx2 VuQ6gjTVJrR1iUZVBvorbC5YvdNvaJ-AiSKqmR7pfyMrQ5A9CjP-H_SO9J2qOQujNMqjXnFzo6EFu_gdNAot1crY6B1eOimp9GsZVA cvuxGrxinir0coLIHUBQ9n-9OUt255FCHUYOTQyG=s4000)
I was greeted by a bank of hand pulls showing the range of the pub’s home-brewed beers. I opted for the weakest to start with – Fuggles Pale, 3.6% ABV. I had a brief chat with the barman about trade and the effect of the filming that had closed the pub on my last visit. He said that trade was quite buoyant, and the series had provided a welcome boost.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZCMMa7A1jMWTM6SLkS7kKJsRRSN5ssHBFM22Q6wPwow WMyBnjx-u-aQnctR1rJsZ_C7z5pUBx-c4t4O2o7Ay-v1N3wneNtnF512ZmTIM7SOuQBmaM75xxFvpMVsQqXCEQHgkH5-Aluahs3LzOdEX8G2U_2KgeFfuBm1QxYJ59EcsiGk2lwUAD-An8=s320 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZCMMa7A1jMWTM6SLkS7kKJsRRSN5ssHBFM22Q6wPwow WMyBnjx-u-aQnctR1rJsZ_C7z5pUBx-c4t4O2o7Ay-v1N3wneNtnF512ZmTIM7SOuQBmaM75xxFvpMVsQqXCEQHgkH5-Aluahs3LzOdEX8G2U_2KgeFfuBm1QxYJ59EcsiGk2lwUAD-An8=s2982)
I walked over to the far right of pub, and sat myself down at a vacant table, near to the roaring log fire, but not too close to it. Not long after, a couple of fellas came in. They looked a similar age to me, and from their conversation with the people behind the bar, they were obviously regulars. They ordered a pint each of the Swan’s Christmas Ale; a beer I had already clocked at 6.8% ABV. I was surprised to see how dark it was – similar in colour to Harvey’s Old, but obviously quite a bit stronger. Watching the pair getting stuck into their pints with relish, persuaded me give it a try once I had finished my pale ale. I picked up a copy of the local CAMRA branch magazine, from the stack, next to the fireplace. It was Draught Copy, written and published by Maidstone & Mid-Kent CAMRA. I was pleased to see it was still going strong, as, 35 years ago, I was the editor of this illustrious publication, although it was just a folded, four-page news-sheet back then.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZXTAwldOD1qdP4HSyO779A2tlnmRQo5JXHB9Hrc6AH1 H72e_d9LaCuwrKYf2yTLdO-fOiOdQv544rk-gXg2XadL56c-QSgidSEBeYyCI_doJOWrFG3MaAu8qMTeKcV-8306iAC5QpRE4QZO3UnTSDCk_43zYZdLh1jdLSz7AEjQS3S0Tw dfF7icNs=w270-h400 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZXTAwldOD1qdP4HSyO779A2tlnmRQo5JXHB9Hrc6AH1 H72e_d9LaCuwrKYf2yTLdO-fOiOdQv544rk-gXg2XadL56c-QSgidSEBeYyCI_doJOWrFG3MaAu8qMTeKcV-8306iAC5QpRE4QZO3UnTSDCk_43zYZdLh1jdLSz7AEjQS3S0Tw dfF7icNs=s3187)
With the prospect of Christmas Ale occupying my thoughts, I decided it would be wise to grab something to eat first. I didn’t want anything too heavy, so I opted for soup of the day, parsnip as it turned out and served with some thick crusty bread and butter. In the meantime, several more people arrived, including a couple with their dog. They asked if they could sit at the same table as me, which was fine, as it was large enough table and with plenty of room. The dog made itself at home, on the floor beneath, but not before as its owners pointed out, doing a quick recce for crumbs, or other pieces of dropped food. There wasn’t any, but I exchanged pleasantries with the couple as they made themselves comfortable in front of the fire. They were heading out on circular walk, along part of Greensand Ridge that runs nearby, but had called in at the Swan for quick a drink first.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7e0ZtGDASQykfOgqgp2nYjnw50yJP5s0A18mNCuHB2c fqith0fCSDgVB_stISKo4wlx1vUve1zDxZ5kB3W5maXAyRN6ue 751b6teJqq5PKkQsK-cqLOFe1rU2FhZe__zZlbrnBW3JIZO6eP1oyVtPTv1mAgwtOcIm whd_0tk62_SficYHVIbn1eS0=w225-h400 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7e0ZtGDASQykfOgqgp2nYjnw50yJP5s0A18mNCuHB2c fqith0fCSDgVB_stISKo4wlx1vUve1zDxZ5kB3W5maXAyRN6ue 751b6teJqq5PKkQsK-cqLOFe1rU2FhZe__zZlbrnBW3JIZO6eP1oyVtPTv1mAgwtOcIm whd_0tk62_SficYHVIbn1eS0=s4000)
By this time, I was tucking into my soup, which was tasty and nice and warming. I ordered a pint of Christmas Ale, before finishing lunch, and quickly got into that as well. The beer was excellent, being rich, dark, and warming. I can safely say that hand on heart it was by far the best Christmas ale I have had over the entire festive season. Others in the pub obviously thought the same, as one of the two blokes opposite, went for a second, whilst one of the other recent arrivals also ordered a pint. With a potency of 6.8%, the Swan’s Christmas Ale is obviously a beer to be treated with respect, despite its apparent popularity. But if, like me, you’ve arrived on foot and don’t need to drive, later in the day, then you can sink a couple with impunity. I imagine this applies to many who live in West Peckham, as they are in effect, a captive audience.
The pub is easy to walk to, and as the village is on road to nowhere, there is not much traffic about, making walking relatively safe. This was evident when I left the Swan, to walk the mile and a half back to Mereworth, and the bus home. I reflected on leaving about how good it was to see a thriving village local, and one that is not wholly dependent on the food trade.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVjawzTp8PSsNb4XZazZvB48l4u1c5nKqwrc3US0VxM1 DCM3lTUgqkg7X0SYc33rYiHyrLFVNwCEMNZV2HUFJVWnZXtq5R sL6kCyQ83CzXU9K-J4iYG__EuRSTefAjbHZOUPO3Uh3IG3RnNysb-zQTGCtSf6H-dTauUvR01vE356XgTMYKu7fojIv1=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVjawzTp8PSsNb4XZazZvB48l4u1c5nKqwrc3US0VxM1 DCM3lTUgqkg7X0SYc33rYiHyrLFVNwCEMNZV2HUFJVWnZXtq5R sL6kCyQ83CzXU9K-J4iYG__EuRSTefAjbHZOUPO3Uh3IG3RnNysb-zQTGCtSf6H-dTauUvR01vE356XgTMYKu7fojIv1=s4000)
It’s also worth noting that the Swan has been brewing its own beers for over 20 years now, so they are well-established and obviously popular with the locals. They also continue to attract visiting cask aficionadas like me, along with CAMRA members from both West Kent and Maidstone branches. I reached the bus stop, opposite Mereworth school, in time to catch the 15.08 serviceback to Tonbridge. After calling in at the building society, I walked along to Matthew’s shop. He was knocking off at 4pm, so I waited for him to finish, and we walked home together. Looking at my Smart Watch later, I had clocked up just under 14,000 steps, which wasn’t bad for a day’s walk.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLg7tTHJpvhrsVDMVqYmJz16qeAokpuwsnpsGRZxWYaY 2BWZ_eHeNeXr6omlZcZHX_fC8F7QkCAzIB-RU2-XZ0XWsBvK2t3SpuE7FWJJf6hS5fbqvhScmpZSBuSxgUGOOWrhX oYQGU4JD2AgifwZzejroFNReuKnTbsX5-woupTIYdCxpmqH1cOYA5=w400-h225 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLg7tTHJpvhrsVDMVqYmJz16qeAokpuwsnpsGRZxWYaY 2BWZ_eHeNeXr6omlZcZHX_fC8F7QkCAzIB-RU2-XZ0XWsBvK2t3SpuE7FWJJf6hS5fbqvhScmpZSBuSxgUGOOWrhX oYQGU4JD2AgifwZzejroFNReuKnTbsX5-woupTIYdCxpmqH1cOYA5=s4000)
Looking back through the archives, I visited the Swan, back in 2018 – almost three year’s exactly to the day. Clicking on the link here (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-swan-on-green-west-peckham.html), will allow you to read about that visit, along with a detailed history of the pub and its highly successful, on-site brewery.
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