Blog Tracker
01-04-2023, 11:23
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/a-few-thoughts-as-we-move-into-april.html)
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Without a shadow of doubt, I picked the wrong week to haveoff from work; certainly, in view of the un-springlike weather we’ve beenexperiencing, but it was one of those take it or leave it situations. As withmany companies the carry-over of unusedannual leave, into the new holiday year, can cause problems. I’m not sure whythis should be, but Inland Revenue rules permit the carry over of a maximum offive days, so the sensible thing is to use excess leave before the start of thenew holiday year. It isn’t always that simple, as I found out, because whilst Iusually manage to carry a few days over, I took my eye off the ball, and thisyear ended up with more than the magic “five days."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh0Gi4jqoT5o0zGUc8jovkHp5ufsfB2z_BbmR4uyOFK Pxlj44ax7Fs0bc6R3a8IrTyDGIeYc67eP6gAym8mrP6SwQcy4Q Wuc1H21L4JUgs19PzIdrMNc7Rhux_Ag5dzX7V6z61-qiJfce78imILZnen_ZTR2p1NNTut3W1MQvhLjr6Ttl0bviBsPa/w400-h225/IMG_20230324_112938_1.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh0Gi4jqoT5o0zGUc8jovkHp5ufsfB2z_BbmR4uyOFK Pxlj44ax7Fs0bc6R3a8IrTyDGIeYc67eP6gAym8mrP6SwQcy4Q Wuc1H21L4JUgs19PzIdrMNc7Rhux_Ag5dzX7V6z61-qiJfce78imILZnen_ZTR2p1NNTut3W1MQvhLjr6Ttl0bviBsPa/s4000/IMG_20230324_112938_1.jpg)
So, like quite a few other people in the company, I’ve beencompelled to take the excess off, under a "use it or lose it" arrangement. W/c 27thMarch, represented the last possible week before the start of the new holidayyear, and seeing as we have now reached both astronomical, as well as meteorologicalspring, I was optimistic at getting out and about. I certainly had plans to getsome more outdoor walking under my belt, and had also planned a few pub visits,or other days out.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDIV2edlMak8HKWCtjPkI4gZ1EpBsBcpEV3OUHVkIa4 UPtKs5YQPuAc4NROKF0RnHExsARZF8RQS43MTCCqeN6XvMPof4 3ptgcOQ2QRFHZ6dtwgcopfqevir-XXIZknZ0bURgMj4IeDTSOA04crq4H8o-C7e09w7Eu_tGKQjDswHCJedHJBs3vtdy/w400-h225/IMG_20230329_152212.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDIV2edlMak8HKWCtjPkI4gZ1EpBsBcpEV3OUHVkIa4 UPtKs5YQPuAc4NROKF0RnHExsARZF8RQS43MTCCqeN6XvMPof4 3ptgcOQ2QRFHZ6dtwgcopfqevir-XXIZknZ0bURgMj4IeDTSOA04crq4H8o-C7e09w7Eu_tGKQjDswHCJedHJBs3vtdy/s4000/IMG_20230329_152212.jpg)
There is also quite a lot of work that needs to be done inthe garden, but all of this planned work, or nearly all of it, was scuppered bycold temperatures, rain, and high winds. By way of compensation, I’ve caught upwith a few jobs indoors and have also written several blog posts, whichcovered recent visits to the new facility for By The Horns Brewery, atSalfords, Surrey, plus my mid-week trip to Norwich. The latter included a visit to the Woodland Cemetery, on theoutskirts of the city, where my parent’s ashes have been laid to rest, but italso allowed me to renew my acquaintance with Norwich itself, and especiallysome of the city’s pubs. My car goes in for its MOT today. It is also due aservice, but as I’m planning on upgrading my vehicle, and trading the currentone in, I’ve put the service on hold for the time being.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkCjnSWG_p97kTtF7B53FcVqM_A5zRt3lcFv1bMkX5s NaO02P2KR4ZFn43NJPvLJkvgvn8nyRhgdH5m4aUDUr25nM20j8 ptDfTKRIBZ91La0mTRcC15WE7lol5SkGWAs_OaXHz_uAml3Zd1 s_C-Szz9pFCTL-t4lcwfVoO70_Fm1ZmVlT5LsuyEf5/w400-h254/MMK%20GF%20Ramble.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkCjnSWG_p97kTtF7B53FcVqM_A5zRt3lcFv1bMkX5s NaO02P2KR4ZFn43NJPvLJkvgvn8nyRhgdH5m4aUDUr25nM20j8 ptDfTKRIBZ91La0mTRcC15WE7lol5SkGWAs_OaXHz_uAml3Zd1 s_C-Szz9pFCTL-t4lcwfVoO70_Fm1ZmVlT5LsuyEf5/s3281/MMK%20GF%20Ramble.jpg)
It’s back to work on Monday, but only for three days, andwith Easter on the horizon, and the potential prospect of better weather, there’s everychance of getting out and about to enjoy both the garden and a few pubs. Thestart of Easter, will see the annual Good Friday Ramble, organised by Maidstone& Mid-Kent CAMRA, and providing it stays dry, the walk and subsequent publunch will afford the opportunity to catch up with old friends.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBsEsHHmNOtihg_Vvw5WPvg_nYqNY8gH9YJYK7Y1kyQ Gq8pq0lAiO2JDTWWY9_9Js-NZSIPjqRI0aFwA8XYTxK-ktKuS_GyyBvMv8HziOGsV9z_xqp38THnVKV_Xwfaq6x3mWwl_9 tl5PGTbZUvITcetSMaoXhi4aGP43ASeZbAt4W-pNRYUtAeaz/w400-h225/IMG_20220419_134530.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBsEsHHmNOtihg_Vvw5WPvg_nYqNY8gH9YJYK7Y1kyQ Gq8pq0lAiO2JDTWWY9_9Js-NZSIPjqRI0aFwA8XYTxK-ktKuS_GyyBvMv8HziOGsV9z_xqp38THnVKV_Xwfaq6x3mWwl_9 tl5PGTbZUvITcetSMaoXhi4aGP43ASeZbAt4W-pNRYUtAeaz/s4000/IMG_20220419_134530.jpg)
The aforementioned pub stop, will be the Darnley Arms (https://www.thedarnleyarms.com/), in thevillage of Cobham, near to Gravesend. It’s claimed to be the oldest pub inCobham, and I’m fairly certain I’ve been there before – I will know for sureonce I get there. I don’t know yet, the exact route we shall be walking, but afterlooking at the map it’s likely to include a section of the North Downs Way,which should bring back a few memories. It's a slightly longer route than has been the case for many years, although not quite a return to the ten-mile rambles that characterised the walks in the late 1970's, when the idea first took off.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJg1Xt8SicLo-8sDkyn2D_X9_Gpqsdh_53-WoGNHZhZJr-vqrQbSwnpoUFRHjcBW_GicLTmd18-hF1TCiszbp_eakf-NRywpj2JjpwhMulAP4GBACqnhd8uOzVXsx-yDMrwWyoymKeOcN2hAJ_4xBH8ztFY7UluFE-DnEC0ucAiYzz2n5TiBDZ-iw/w400-h225/IMG_20230331_150334.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJg1Xt8SicLo-8sDkyn2D_X9_Gpqsdh_53-WoGNHZhZJr-vqrQbSwnpoUFRHjcBW_GicLTmd18-hF1TCiszbp_eakf-NRywpj2JjpwhMulAP4GBACqnhd8uOzVXsx-yDMrwWyoymKeOcN2hAJ_4xBH8ztFY7UluFE-DnEC0ucAiYzz2n5TiBDZ-iw/s4000/IMG_20230331_150334.jpg)
Finally, this afternoon, I took a drive to a well-known DIYstore on the other side of Tunbridge Wells.I needed to pick up a few support brackets for the guttering that I amfixing onto the summerhouse. There wasn’t a desperate requirement for thesefixtures, rather a desire on my part to get out of the house. So, with Matthew accompanyingme, there was an excuse to stop for a quick pint on the way home. We headed for the Chafford Arms (http://www.chaffordarms.com/)in the villageof Fordcombe. It’s a pub I’ve attempted to visit on a couple of occasionsrecently, but without success.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPzRzCY5y2T5xllqlwxXZ7WH1VxrSJCRKmDYqsExeef jRwI4-8wwYx8p0aZuE7j0Wz_7ibkQpsW4F1Gv6Zg2OCzmYvZDUT79rhn p6KqjEUlM2dw3oSokf0RY2wrEKYfSnPqnSSnI8v24V3hhodljE uj3_rwTFx7ZU-FlPGyq3nx4wlsQhXEe0kpXg/w400-h243/Chafford%20Arms%20Ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPzRzCY5y2T5xllqlwxXZ7WH1VxrSJCRKmDYqsExeef jRwI4-8wwYx8p0aZuE7j0Wz_7ibkQpsW4F1Gv6Zg2OCzmYvZDUT79rhn p6KqjEUlM2dw3oSokf0RY2wrEKYfSnPqnSSnI8v24V3hhodljE uj3_rwTFx7ZU-FlPGyq3nx4wlsQhXEe0kpXg/s3705/Chafford%20Arms%20Ext.jpg)
Would things be different this time around? Or would I,once again, be disappointed? Last time around, we’d been unable to find room inthe car park, but on this occasion there were spaces available. We got out fromthe car and walked up to the pub. “Lounge Bar, or Public?” I said to Matthew. “Notbothered” was the response. I tried the door to the latter, and was surprised tofin it locked, so undeterred we walked round the corner. There aren’t anylights on, my son pointed out, and sure enough the door to the other bar waslocked shut, as well.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXam3Y-0WI7n7rXyT4OV_gsQLwmiXlmFarb7KdusK7zmL8c8SEIGV5krB VRFiRio4VzG54hbc_grYB2aQBglZjyDEYD9OWpnnDvxDYzajbD qjzcedtX3ap1DalI1vhUNos1jlNbXX4oILZQ44y5cD_JgnuaXk Kkg235eNqfqhStnIb4ztu7U0Tx6Q/w400-h225/Spotted%20Dog%20pumps%20April.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXam3Y-0WI7n7rXyT4OV_gsQLwmiXlmFarb7KdusK7zmL8c8SEIGV5krB VRFiRio4VzG54hbc_grYB2aQBglZjyDEYD9OWpnnDvxDYzajbD qjzcedtX3ap1DalI1vhUNos1jlNbXX4oILZQ44y5cD_JgnuaXk Kkg235eNqfqhStnIb4ztu7U0Tx6Q/s4000/Spotted%20Dog%20pumps%20April.jpg)
It was 3.30pm, so we concluded that the Chafford must closefor a period, during the afternoon. We returned to the car and drove off,looking for another pub to quench our thirst, and ended up, not for the firsttime, at the Spotted Dog (https://spotteddogpub.co.uk/), on the other side of the Medway valley. It was quietinside this lovely old inn, but at least it was open. Even better, there was Goacher’sGold Star on tap at the bar, alongside Harvey’s Best and Larkin’s Traditional. Whilst ordering ourdrinks, I asked the bar manager whether she knew what opening hours were keptby the Chafford. She wasn’t sure, but a couple of drinkers standing at the barwere rather more forthcoming, claiming the pub was a law unto itself as far asits opening hours were concerned.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpW-jcGiiItppLL7EUurTYrmR6x0xijmakaomMfA_Zn3y6_BG1nI1g ruv8ef7_zmnXWa5gHLfiZx8z07D1SU9d8Gop5BG9moPxrDrjwb tJJRQhPzK1BFKxf2UyTeDkmkHLHJUQkCbYd3m9TZlmCiU9TAWP xjApA7-G2YiHQD8xKyaCqbQqjBWAeaV/w400-h225/Spotted%20Dog%20fireplace.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpW-jcGiiItppLL7EUurTYrmR6x0xijmakaomMfA_Zn3y6_BG1nI1g ruv8ef7_zmnXWa5gHLfiZx8z07D1SU9d8Gop5BG9moPxrDrjwb tJJRQhPzK1BFKxf2UyTeDkmkHLHJUQkCbYd3m9TZlmCiU9TAWP xjApA7-G2YiHQD8xKyaCqbQqjBWAeaV/s3959/Spotted%20Dog%20fireplace.jpg)
Pub opening times, and whether or not they are adhered to,are a regular topic that crops up on blogs, forums, and other places foronline discussion. At the end of the day, they are a matter for individuallicensees, although it does makes sense, with certain provisos, for pubs to adhere to their publiclystated opening hours. According to What Pub, the Chafford's openingtimes are 11am – midnight, apart from Sundays, when it doesn’topen until midday. The website (http://www.chaffordarms.com/) advises people to phone first, whilst stating the pub is closed Sunday night and all day Monday, so which is correct?
I’ve gone somewhat off topic, so will end this piece now,but in the meantime, despite my opening salvo about our unpredictable climate, let’s keep in mind the adage "there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing!"
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsW0SpLwrBMU1ay9KXHAThaq7veyCwZwInsep9RHKyy Q5bYbQgEoFuMGsFPhdmMAy8Z3QnUFZilsrPFrb8KCKynhshn2s ngd2PbP2eap8xC8432OYTMAfG7b-1vUbB2EX11BSVtabrmz_mksIzsGFNqXjptefQ6dg5Fww6nxDzo dv9Ds3NKqEAHtA/w400-h225/IMG_20230324_112524_1.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsW0SpLwrBMU1ay9KXHAThaq7veyCwZwInsep9RHKyy Q5bYbQgEoFuMGsFPhdmMAy8Z3QnUFZilsrPFrb8KCKynhshn2s ngd2PbP2eap8xC8432OYTMAfG7b-1vUbB2EX11BSVtabrmz_mksIzsGFNqXjptefQ6dg5Fww6nxDzo dv9Ds3NKqEAHtA/s4000/IMG_20230324_112524_1.jpg)
Without a shadow of doubt, I picked the wrong week to haveoff from work; certainly, in view of the un-springlike weather we’ve beenexperiencing, but it was one of those take it or leave it situations. As withmany companies the carry-over of unusedannual leave, into the new holiday year, can cause problems. I’m not sure whythis should be, but Inland Revenue rules permit the carry over of a maximum offive days, so the sensible thing is to use excess leave before the start of thenew holiday year. It isn’t always that simple, as I found out, because whilst Iusually manage to carry a few days over, I took my eye off the ball, and thisyear ended up with more than the magic “five days."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh0Gi4jqoT5o0zGUc8jovkHp5ufsfB2z_BbmR4uyOFK Pxlj44ax7Fs0bc6R3a8IrTyDGIeYc67eP6gAym8mrP6SwQcy4Q Wuc1H21L4JUgs19PzIdrMNc7Rhux_Ag5dzX7V6z61-qiJfce78imILZnen_ZTR2p1NNTut3W1MQvhLjr6Ttl0bviBsPa/w400-h225/IMG_20230324_112938_1.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh0Gi4jqoT5o0zGUc8jovkHp5ufsfB2z_BbmR4uyOFK Pxlj44ax7Fs0bc6R3a8IrTyDGIeYc67eP6gAym8mrP6SwQcy4Q Wuc1H21L4JUgs19PzIdrMNc7Rhux_Ag5dzX7V6z61-qiJfce78imILZnen_ZTR2p1NNTut3W1MQvhLjr6Ttl0bviBsPa/s4000/IMG_20230324_112938_1.jpg)
So, like quite a few other people in the company, I’ve beencompelled to take the excess off, under a "use it or lose it" arrangement. W/c 27thMarch, represented the last possible week before the start of the new holidayyear, and seeing as we have now reached both astronomical, as well as meteorologicalspring, I was optimistic at getting out and about. I certainly had plans to getsome more outdoor walking under my belt, and had also planned a few pub visits,or other days out.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDIV2edlMak8HKWCtjPkI4gZ1EpBsBcpEV3OUHVkIa4 UPtKs5YQPuAc4NROKF0RnHExsARZF8RQS43MTCCqeN6XvMPof4 3ptgcOQ2QRFHZ6dtwgcopfqevir-XXIZknZ0bURgMj4IeDTSOA04crq4H8o-C7e09w7Eu_tGKQjDswHCJedHJBs3vtdy/w400-h225/IMG_20230329_152212.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDIV2edlMak8HKWCtjPkI4gZ1EpBsBcpEV3OUHVkIa4 UPtKs5YQPuAc4NROKF0RnHExsARZF8RQS43MTCCqeN6XvMPof4 3ptgcOQ2QRFHZ6dtwgcopfqevir-XXIZknZ0bURgMj4IeDTSOA04crq4H8o-C7e09w7Eu_tGKQjDswHCJedHJBs3vtdy/s4000/IMG_20230329_152212.jpg)
There is also quite a lot of work that needs to be done inthe garden, but all of this planned work, or nearly all of it, was scuppered bycold temperatures, rain, and high winds. By way of compensation, I’ve caught upwith a few jobs indoors and have also written several blog posts, whichcovered recent visits to the new facility for By The Horns Brewery, atSalfords, Surrey, plus my mid-week trip to Norwich. The latter included a visit to the Woodland Cemetery, on theoutskirts of the city, where my parent’s ashes have been laid to rest, but italso allowed me to renew my acquaintance with Norwich itself, and especiallysome of the city’s pubs. My car goes in for its MOT today. It is also due aservice, but as I’m planning on upgrading my vehicle, and trading the currentone in, I’ve put the service on hold for the time being.
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It’s back to work on Monday, but only for three days, andwith Easter on the horizon, and the potential prospect of better weather, there’s everychance of getting out and about to enjoy both the garden and a few pubs. Thestart of Easter, will see the annual Good Friday Ramble, organised by Maidstone& Mid-Kent CAMRA, and providing it stays dry, the walk and subsequent publunch will afford the opportunity to catch up with old friends.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBsEsHHmNOtihg_Vvw5WPvg_nYqNY8gH9YJYK7Y1kyQ Gq8pq0lAiO2JDTWWY9_9Js-NZSIPjqRI0aFwA8XYTxK-ktKuS_GyyBvMv8HziOGsV9z_xqp38THnVKV_Xwfaq6x3mWwl_9 tl5PGTbZUvITcetSMaoXhi4aGP43ASeZbAt4W-pNRYUtAeaz/w400-h225/IMG_20220419_134530.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBsEsHHmNOtihg_Vvw5WPvg_nYqNY8gH9YJYK7Y1kyQ Gq8pq0lAiO2JDTWWY9_9Js-NZSIPjqRI0aFwA8XYTxK-ktKuS_GyyBvMv8HziOGsV9z_xqp38THnVKV_Xwfaq6x3mWwl_9 tl5PGTbZUvITcetSMaoXhi4aGP43ASeZbAt4W-pNRYUtAeaz/s4000/IMG_20220419_134530.jpg)
The aforementioned pub stop, will be the Darnley Arms (https://www.thedarnleyarms.com/), in thevillage of Cobham, near to Gravesend. It’s claimed to be the oldest pub inCobham, and I’m fairly certain I’ve been there before – I will know for sureonce I get there. I don’t know yet, the exact route we shall be walking, but afterlooking at the map it’s likely to include a section of the North Downs Way,which should bring back a few memories. It's a slightly longer route than has been the case for many years, although not quite a return to the ten-mile rambles that characterised the walks in the late 1970's, when the idea first took off.
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Finally, this afternoon, I took a drive to a well-known DIYstore on the other side of Tunbridge Wells.I needed to pick up a few support brackets for the guttering that I amfixing onto the summerhouse. There wasn’t a desperate requirement for thesefixtures, rather a desire on my part to get out of the house. So, with Matthew accompanyingme, there was an excuse to stop for a quick pint on the way home. We headed for the Chafford Arms (http://www.chaffordarms.com/)in the villageof Fordcombe. It’s a pub I’ve attempted to visit on a couple of occasionsrecently, but without success.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPzRzCY5y2T5xllqlwxXZ7WH1VxrSJCRKmDYqsExeef jRwI4-8wwYx8p0aZuE7j0Wz_7ibkQpsW4F1Gv6Zg2OCzmYvZDUT79rhn p6KqjEUlM2dw3oSokf0RY2wrEKYfSnPqnSSnI8v24V3hhodljE uj3_rwTFx7ZU-FlPGyq3nx4wlsQhXEe0kpXg/w400-h243/Chafford%20Arms%20Ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPzRzCY5y2T5xllqlwxXZ7WH1VxrSJCRKmDYqsExeef jRwI4-8wwYx8p0aZuE7j0Wz_7ibkQpsW4F1Gv6Zg2OCzmYvZDUT79rhn p6KqjEUlM2dw3oSokf0RY2wrEKYfSnPqnSSnI8v24V3hhodljE uj3_rwTFx7ZU-FlPGyq3nx4wlsQhXEe0kpXg/s3705/Chafford%20Arms%20Ext.jpg)
Would things be different this time around? Or would I,once again, be disappointed? Last time around, we’d been unable to find room inthe car park, but on this occasion there were spaces available. We got out fromthe car and walked up to the pub. “Lounge Bar, or Public?” I said to Matthew. “Notbothered” was the response. I tried the door to the latter, and was surprised tofin it locked, so undeterred we walked round the corner. There aren’t anylights on, my son pointed out, and sure enough the door to the other bar waslocked shut, as well.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXam3Y-0WI7n7rXyT4OV_gsQLwmiXlmFarb7KdusK7zmL8c8SEIGV5krB VRFiRio4VzG54hbc_grYB2aQBglZjyDEYD9OWpnnDvxDYzajbD qjzcedtX3ap1DalI1vhUNos1jlNbXX4oILZQ44y5cD_JgnuaXk Kkg235eNqfqhStnIb4ztu7U0Tx6Q/w400-h225/Spotted%20Dog%20pumps%20April.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXam3Y-0WI7n7rXyT4OV_gsQLwmiXlmFarb7KdusK7zmL8c8SEIGV5krB VRFiRio4VzG54hbc_grYB2aQBglZjyDEYD9OWpnnDvxDYzajbD qjzcedtX3ap1DalI1vhUNos1jlNbXX4oILZQ44y5cD_JgnuaXk Kkg235eNqfqhStnIb4ztu7U0Tx6Q/s4000/Spotted%20Dog%20pumps%20April.jpg)
It was 3.30pm, so we concluded that the Chafford must closefor a period, during the afternoon. We returned to the car and drove off,looking for another pub to quench our thirst, and ended up, not for the firsttime, at the Spotted Dog (https://spotteddogpub.co.uk/), on the other side of the Medway valley. It was quietinside this lovely old inn, but at least it was open. Even better, there was Goacher’sGold Star on tap at the bar, alongside Harvey’s Best and Larkin’s Traditional. Whilst ordering ourdrinks, I asked the bar manager whether she knew what opening hours were keptby the Chafford. She wasn’t sure, but a couple of drinkers standing at the barwere rather more forthcoming, claiming the pub was a law unto itself as far asits opening hours were concerned.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpW-jcGiiItppLL7EUurTYrmR6x0xijmakaomMfA_Zn3y6_BG1nI1g ruv8ef7_zmnXWa5gHLfiZx8z07D1SU9d8Gop5BG9moPxrDrjwb tJJRQhPzK1BFKxf2UyTeDkmkHLHJUQkCbYd3m9TZlmCiU9TAWP xjApA7-G2YiHQD8xKyaCqbQqjBWAeaV/w400-h225/Spotted%20Dog%20fireplace.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpW-jcGiiItppLL7EUurTYrmR6x0xijmakaomMfA_Zn3y6_BG1nI1g ruv8ef7_zmnXWa5gHLfiZx8z07D1SU9d8Gop5BG9moPxrDrjwb tJJRQhPzK1BFKxf2UyTeDkmkHLHJUQkCbYd3m9TZlmCiU9TAWP xjApA7-G2YiHQD8xKyaCqbQqjBWAeaV/s3959/Spotted%20Dog%20fireplace.jpg)
Pub opening times, and whether or not they are adhered to,are a regular topic that crops up on blogs, forums, and other places foronline discussion. At the end of the day, they are a matter for individuallicensees, although it does makes sense, with certain provisos, for pubs to adhere to their publiclystated opening hours. According to What Pub, the Chafford's openingtimes are 11am – midnight, apart from Sundays, when it doesn’topen until midday. The website (http://www.chaffordarms.com/) advises people to phone first, whilst stating the pub is closed Sunday night and all day Monday, so which is correct?
I’ve gone somewhat off topic, so will end this piece now,but in the meantime, despite my opening salvo about our unpredictable climate, let’s keep in mind the adage "there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing!"
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