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28-07-2023, 20:14
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/07/banished-from-house.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOaM2bhptm2MbOmzvAFgEchj-_QF4KEpVWn3YrMZTJ0EfoJMlF1Yr9oS1s-eWZxy_yagjhbCCu2ggIc6qQgJdodKg7Nsl_JQ0oqtoDnGoxQTL eZtzpnuLCMON_vJc-UVnx3_zh7kpBbbrbNF7MzJ-tuuyKGyicz-gCLe15RZq0rgXBgq2EJRD7Uesfy0/w400-h300/DSCN1922.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOaM2bhptm2MbOmzvAFgEchj-_QF4KEpVWn3YrMZTJ0EfoJMlF1Yr9oS1s-eWZxy_yagjhbCCu2ggIc6qQgJdodKg7Nsl_JQ0oqtoDnGoxQTL eZtzpnuLCMON_vJc-UVnx3_zh7kpBbbrbNF7MzJ-tuuyKGyicz-gCLe15RZq0rgXBgq2EJRD7Uesfy0/s4608/DSCN1922.JPG)
I want to take a look back at the week before last, whichwas the period when Mrs PBT's was feeling quite poorly and sorry for herselfdue to a bout of Cellulitis. The condition had left her feeling tired, nauseousand off her food, a situation that was made worse when she started theprescribed course of strong antibiotics. It became bad enough that even thesmell of cooking was sufficient to make want to throw up, so for a couple ofevenings Matthew and I decided it was best to eat out.Every cloud has a silver lining as they say, and this was noexception, the only trouble was, apart from the well-known chains, there aren'tthat many pubs in the local area that serve food on a Monday evening. One placethat I knew kept its kitchen open, was the Spotted Dog (https://spotteddogpub.co.uk/), at Smarts Hill near Penshurst,but just to make sure I phoned up and made a reservation. The lad and I arrivedshortly before 7:00 pm but were rather bemused to discover there was no free parkingspace available in what is, quite a substantial car park.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp6Q7VnbKoHpse1-56l4XE526GOegZgR6YPkAqF9UIo6tPhMkxvc3-WM-mJs9uuecmt5OQE2qZdtTNHVzLuZmMtPx650v1sIHiItSOMWDRe bWhYqJU7UUn-P2kd6tx_hXePfNZ-p26iP3Q1crjPtm059xfS8BaEC9OlnRlJHxkwMaKjbX5dybbllQ l4s/w400-h300/DSCN1925.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp6Q7VnbKoHpse1-56l4XE526GOegZgR6YPkAqF9UIo6tPhMkxvc3-WM-mJs9uuecmt5OQE2qZdtTNHVzLuZmMtPx650v1sIHiItSOMWDRe bWhYqJU7UUn-P2kd6tx_hXePfNZ-p26iP3Q1crjPtm059xfS8BaEC9OlnRlJHxkwMaKjbX5dybbllQ l4s/s4608/DSCN1925.JPG)
This seemed strange, although the cause soon became apparent,because milling around in the car park, were a large number of athletic lookingindividuals. At first, I thought they were ramblers, but it soon dawned on me thatthey were runners, looking at maps and comparing notes with one another. They wereobviously about to depart on a run, and the logical conclusion Matthew and Ijumped to was that this group of individuals were rather cheekily leaving theirvehicles in the pub car park before setting off on a run.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7z-IHXiG9m_RzXPHUrF1amf5WgU0kUzhwKoECDjSAQUp3XTnt5pQ_ Pdg2fE_OTQOSoniiT_u1-fC5SAhDwwoIrY2w4pZMyPALA8AyVoXKmeDFtmKcgpT25tKD6AY BcSfTKdQNmsJoWfnUJ9fQyqIRQckyTCQ1jP0mCEgW3R0K4DUm9 R64kFmefAVhGM/w400-h225/IMG_20230717_193028.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7z-IHXiG9m_RzXPHUrF1amf5WgU0kUzhwKoECDjSAQUp3XTnt5pQ_ Pdg2fE_OTQOSoniiT_u1-fC5SAhDwwoIrY2w4pZMyPALA8AyVoXKmeDFtmKcgpT25tKD6AY BcSfTKdQNmsJoWfnUJ9fQyqIRQckyTCQ1jP0mCEgW3R0K4DUm9 R64kFmefAVhGM/s4000/IMG_20230717_193028.jpg)
Not amused, I phoned pub, to inform them I booked a tablebut was unable to get my vehicle into the car park. “You're not cancelling, areyou?” replied the lady who answered the phone. I replied that I might have to,as there was nowhere to leave the car. She told me that there was some space tothe left of the pub, in front of the garage, and that as the roads were slightlywider there, we should be alright. I did as instructed, even though I'm not afan of leaving my vehicle, in an exposed position on an unlit country lane.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP6oqrlPhnMehjg-IAT4lUEYCqrTPPcSp8fyUoRQFkCV4jmw22RqbMEM3XneaDetaX UYBJv3v-ClHUaiWso9setCe5Uoysx3ZtLbJHi3Y2lEbISmntsAFp_qa-G37YrCxuOvlmyFkDr4DVbZ2TKVpkhemvaMidZa7XeLxs13VjJP rEZYbeRreyiL_Xrc/w400-h225/Spotted%20Dog%20Interior.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP6oqrlPhnMehjg-IAT4lUEYCqrTPPcSp8fyUoRQFkCV4jmw22RqbMEM3XneaDetaX UYBJv3v-ClHUaiWso9setCe5Uoysx3ZtLbJHi3Y2lEbISmntsAFp_qa-G37YrCxuOvlmyFkDr4DVbZ2TKVpkhemvaMidZa7XeLxs13VjJP rEZYbeRreyiL_Xrc/s3779/Spotted%20Dog%20Interior.jpg)
We walked back to the Spotted Dog (https://spotteddogpub.co.uk/)expecting to it heaving, butthere was ample room inside, especially for people like us who had booked a table. Wewere directed to one close to the fireplace, and facing the bar, but first wewanted a drink. I said to the lady behind the bar that I’d expected the pub tobe bursting at the seams, given the number of cars parked outside. She laughed and explained that most of these belongedto members of a local running club, and the idea was they would leave their vehiclesin the car park, go off for their run, and then return to the pub for a drink, abite to eat or perhaps both. That was the plan, although I wondered how many runnerswould actually do this. Just in case most of them did, I suggested to Matthew thatonce we were suitably fed and watered, it would be best to leave the pub beforeit was taken over by a load of dusty, sweaty and potentially smelly runners.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvTURqDJd_Hs-c6-JTuQP3Nq-azORX7_IQRMAVSa7aV63i_Py_MFBaczlv4G-IsYxpToXB09GnTuQcaHBmvpU-0oauzlnJgwJg2hIYBdAnB9GwdnIK5PY7YpN_iZi6kl2SwrtaMs HksC7nU4PsVdkWtpM1U8ne7j2ukA0nJ-vbwwHIykgGua29KFm0MQ/w400-h225/IMG_20230717_193012.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvTURqDJd_Hs-c6-JTuQP3Nq-azORX7_IQRMAVSa7aV63i_Py_MFBaczlv4G-IsYxpToXB09GnTuQcaHBmvpU-0oauzlnJgwJg2hIYBdAnB9GwdnIK5PY7YpN_iZi6kl2SwrtaMs HksC7nU4PsVdkWtpM1U8ne7j2ukA0nJ-vbwwHIykgGua29KFm0MQ/s4000/IMG_20230717_193012.jpg)
This aside, we ordered some drinks, a pint of Harvey’s Bestfor me as, disappointingly, the Goacher’s Silver Star that had been my originalchoice had gone off (why not turn the pump clip around?) The other cask beer wasthe ubiquitous Larkin’s Trad, a 3.4% ordinary bitter which, despite being thebrewery’s best-selling brand, has never been my favourite. Matthew, on the otherhand, didn't need much persuasion to go for the Hofmeister, although it was mewho spotted it! He's obviously not suchan experienced pub-goer as me.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pORvgT_kgNUF1CM7ghvD9vrrQF6nDX-CqmNZF79uSWeE5DYval8p-PydBEBLpRuKJ45PdNi4OUeguR4_MdS9OW8TssRSHz8ipdQ4ZzS 4qq6Mn19NrIBomDTrgDB9kxfCrFDKQ0Vljgaw6Cqu9pFSQtPT9 nVFwcgUbrJU5WuMqDPOHjvsybYo5cFjr9U/w400-h225/IMG_20230717_195849.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pORvgT_kgNUF1CM7ghvD9vrrQF6nDX-CqmNZF79uSWeE5DYval8p-PydBEBLpRuKJ45PdNi4OUeguR4_MdS9OW8TssRSHz8ipdQ4ZzS 4qq6Mn19NrIBomDTrgDB9kxfCrFDKQ0Vljgaw6Cqu9pFSQtPT9 nVFwcgUbrJU5WuMqDPOHjvsybYo5cFjr9U/s4000/IMG_20230717_195849.jpg)
We were a little disappointed to find the pub had changedits menu, because until quite recently, Monday evening was Curry Night at the SpottedDog, and whilst there was a single Korma dish featured on the menu, most of theoptions were pretty standard pub fayre. One item that took my fancy was “pie ofthe day,” although when the time came to order I didn't really fancy the ideaof Steak and Stilton as a filling. Instead, I decided to be boring and went forgood old fish and chips. Matthew chose burger and chips, so no surprises there,and we didn't have to wait long either before the food was served up. It waspleasant enough, although my piece of battered fish looked too small to be afillet of cod. As if in response to this, I couldn't help overhearing anotherdiner commenting on the size of the fish to his companions. He too seemed to be wondering what type of fish it was, but despite thisneither of us plucked up the courage to ask the staff.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MA-keof2vH-CLxurUlbErhzZN2aQiawF4_BAiwwl4E087L-GOgysFGhy-WJu2YrVWVrFRH8LFelL_6DXIQR6V1-3zdI3-WZRXCM3qtH_zOatB-9ODZ8Kd-RS3ZQo6zJDlqWMKjrYNLtiGlhyBcUceWG5SjcyMDOw3pVQekxT kqI0kCeIep3LXTUDKJE/w400-h225/Spotted%20Dog%20ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MA-keof2vH-CLxurUlbErhzZN2aQiawF4_BAiwwl4E087L-GOgysFGhy-WJu2YrVWVrFRH8LFelL_6DXIQR6V1-3zdI3-WZRXCM3qtH_zOatB-9ODZ8Kd-RS3ZQo6zJDlqWMKjrYNLtiGlhyBcUceWG5SjcyMDOw3pVQekxT kqI0kCeIep3LXTUDKJE/s1364/Spotted%20Dog%20ext.jpg)
As planned, we managed to leave the pub in good time, andcertainly before any panting and sweat soaked runners turned up to spoil theshow. Thank goodness I said, because I can't think of anything worse than across country run, as it reminds me too much of school, and the times we usedto bunk off, and hide in the woods, before tagging on the end as the rest ofthe group came panting back, having completed the full course. It reminds me ofthe time I was chosen to be a marker for the House Cross-country Competition, andI sent a group of runners along the wrong path. This wasn’t deliberate,although I got into trouble for it, but my argument was the PE master hadn’texplained the route properly. Happiest days of one’s life? I don't really thinkso, but looking back I have to allow myself a chuckle over the incident.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_77iQPwQLgl70PU5BVC4ZsZXJNFtn347_cDuBUkA9PC 6aln7y_VTAQ2rEK3XCnohDdH40P1fJhlp96jIL1MLKFr_Ud0Ju GOQNVXtS5lWletQJG4_6JmcFVSbZ3POxNA2g3wkWrDG-V5gipw_vJ78kXkv7EH3P8KQoNg-I9_t0IIdA92oYHYO0RO9Q2HA/w400-h228/Vauxhall%20Inn.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_77iQPwQLgl70PU5BVC4ZsZXJNFtn347_cDuBUkA9PC 6aln7y_VTAQ2rEK3XCnohDdH40P1fJhlp96jIL1MLKFr_Ud0Ju GOQNVXtS5lWletQJG4_6JmcFVSbZ3POxNA2g3wkWrDG-V5gipw_vJ78kXkv7EH3P8KQoNg-I9_t0IIdA92oYHYO0RO9Q2HA/s3539/Vauxhall%20Inn.jpg)
The following day, the lady of the house was still feeling poorly,and the smell of food was again inducing feelings of nausea. This time Itold Matthew I didn't want to drive, so we walked the short distance from home tothe VauxhallInn (http://www.chefandbrewer.com/pub/vauxhall-inn-tonbridge/p1234/), an enlarged former coaching inn, on the edge of Tonbridge, on theold London-Hastings road. Today it forms part of the Chef & Brewerchain, although when I first moved to Tonbridge it was a much smaller, and ratherbasic Whitbread pub. For those contemplating a longer stay, thereis a Premier Inn (http://www.premierinn.com/) adjacent tothe pub, which makes the Vauxhall a good base for those visiting the area.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbjLBEY6wpN1tjwSMzTwiiLUFAaLTp-Vq0r4R3CJk5Oo8N0jZ4fajfUDTb9lM-1SoIqlu6VCje80JXBnUgfoTm97dXffv01eDx9KZrozum33Ok2c 0rZmvsS4GtpjUn_gPTPQUumVJcqp8tHLdntSwvaWTidsBTgH2Y di8ckC8IKe61umSS73YqYaElB0/w400-h225/IMG_20230718_205331.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbjLBEY6wpN1tjwSMzTwiiLUFAaLTp-Vq0r4R3CJk5Oo8N0jZ4fajfUDTb9lM-1SoIqlu6VCje80JXBnUgfoTm97dXffv01eDx9KZrozum33Ok2c 0rZmvsS4GtpjUn_gPTPQUumVJcqp8tHLdntSwvaWTidsBTgH2Y di8ckC8IKe61umSS73YqYaElB0/s4000/IMG_20230718_205331.jpg)
The entrance to the pub is via the side door, and onceinside we were met by a member of staff, who showed us to a table at the rearof the pub. According to Matthew, who frequents the Vauxhall far more often than me,this is now the restaurant area. He said that his friend was annoyed as themanagement don’t allow customers to eat in the bar anymore, but this didn'tparticularly bother me at the time. I asked the young man what beers were available,and I was told there was no cask. So as a distress purchase, I opted for the GreeneKing Ice Breaker, a keg “craft ale”. Matthew went for an Amstel, or something equallyinsipid, but when my beer arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find that itwas not full of gas, not too cold, and instead it was rather flavoursome.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMzThmdlQWAxlCRJFrUS9XykartDJNj_9XIDOj6F5me CLWBaYB8UrqY0KA1iu_hEhhTNGb_WE3z96mNl1cGUy2g5gWrMD QbzQ5bjPF44kSTrwv_tA2Xs1QvEQUl3_Tl0LP5vpjeEj8RmyF3 UwTlQvCXZY5jigoFngPZqBCPQw2-S66lztIe8qMl1OSw4/w400-h225/IMG_20230718_195054.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMzThmdlQWAxlCRJFrUS9XykartDJNj_9XIDOj6F5me CLWBaYB8UrqY0KA1iu_hEhhTNGb_WE3z96mNl1cGUy2g5gWrMD QbzQ5bjPF44kSTrwv_tA2Xs1QvEQUl3_Tl0LP5vpjeEj8RmyF3 UwTlQvCXZY5jigoFngPZqBCPQw2-S66lztIe8qMl1OSw4/s4000/IMG_20230718_195054.jpg)
As with the Spotted Dog, pies featured on the Vauxhall’s menu,so I chose the chicken and ham hock variety, served up with mash, vegetables,and gravy. Once again, Matthew went fora burger, but that’s what he enjoys, and it’s never a bad choice. There was a reasonablenumber of customers in the pub, but it wasn't exactly heaving. Also, as most ofthe diners were already there when we arrived, Matthew and I ended up being thelast to leave. All in all, it was a good meal and the Ice Breaker too, wasn’t a badpint either.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxJaPd4sWQsrRG4rNfvXjpBF4fqYotmXhraqPGuSd29 r8pYMoNywuE4nJU618FQXQBP2MJHvuYlwXCjpJz265U8-67ZzuuBdzNKf3NhL5LBd2m5guL8r3-hw1gvNQW-djLLMuehZLPJy_vP7dNoo9UeMa5zKr4ctOCnGgDtn6AZ5kbtPc oEpa_2bHqfg/w400-h225/Vauxhall%20Int.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxJaPd4sWQsrRG4rNfvXjpBF4fqYotmXhraqPGuSd29 r8pYMoNywuE4nJU618FQXQBP2MJHvuYlwXCjpJz265U8-67ZzuuBdzNKf3NhL5LBd2m5guL8r3-hw1gvNQW-djLLMuehZLPJy_vP7dNoo9UeMa5zKr4ctOCnGgDtn6AZ5kbtPc oEpa_2bHqfg/s4000/Vauxhall%20Int.jpg)
By Wednesday Mrs PBT's was feeling a little bit better,although she was still off her food. Matthew and I bought ourselves a "readymeal" each, and when we got home from the supermarket, Eileen disappearedupstairs, leaving us to enjoy our meal without feeling guilty. The same thinghappened the following day, but by Friday she was feeling much better and eatingagain. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OkN-CqM3wb08-Ggo5nDcEV9AJk-YOiiPEPIm2byX5xf3e3dyIUCcUfw0qv3gbg_KGcqCy3WkHUNpC kdbJAbiKwoKI6kVWEE4AKUx3Ayxun3QPVTZcsRAeriY_Cve-UwiEBVlNVm7KEemvkAzLtoCijnmxOo2Cq2YzoHEMTG6wj_W8X2 jJNYwQLMB5go/w400-h225/Vauxhall%20-%20evening.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OkN-CqM3wb08-Ggo5nDcEV9AJk-YOiiPEPIm2byX5xf3e3dyIUCcUfw0qv3gbg_KGcqCy3WkHUNpC kdbJAbiKwoKI6kVWEE4AKUx3Ayxun3QPVTZcsRAeriY_Cve-UwiEBVlNVm7KEemvkAzLtoCijnmxOo2Cq2YzoHEMTG6wj_W8X2 jJNYwQLMB5go/s4000/Vauxhall%20-%20evening.jpg)Neither of us are sure what caused Eileen's Cellulitis. It’s anon-transmittable disease, and the consensus is that the bacteria which causeit, breach the body’s defences by entering through a small wound, such as an insectbite, or a cut.
We’re pretty certain that in Eileen’s case, a cracked heel wasthe cause, but this is now the second time that she’s had this condition. As Iwrote before, it’s far more common than people realise, so do take care whilstgardening, or walking through brambles, and wear long trousers as well, whenhiking. Shorts might feel more comfortable, but there are quite a few nastiesout there, lurking in the long grass, just waiting for a juicy chunk ofunprotected leg flesh to sink their fangs into. Tick-borne ailments, such asLyme disease, are on the increase, so do take care whilst out there.
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOaM2bhptm2MbOmzvAFgEchj-_QF4KEpVWn3YrMZTJ0EfoJMlF1Yr9oS1s-eWZxy_yagjhbCCu2ggIc6qQgJdodKg7Nsl_JQ0oqtoDnGoxQTL eZtzpnuLCMON_vJc-UVnx3_zh7kpBbbrbNF7MzJ-tuuyKGyicz-gCLe15RZq0rgXBgq2EJRD7Uesfy0/w400-h300/DSCN1922.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOaM2bhptm2MbOmzvAFgEchj-_QF4KEpVWn3YrMZTJ0EfoJMlF1Yr9oS1s-eWZxy_yagjhbCCu2ggIc6qQgJdodKg7Nsl_JQ0oqtoDnGoxQTL eZtzpnuLCMON_vJc-UVnx3_zh7kpBbbrbNF7MzJ-tuuyKGyicz-gCLe15RZq0rgXBgq2EJRD7Uesfy0/s4608/DSCN1922.JPG)
I want to take a look back at the week before last, whichwas the period when Mrs PBT's was feeling quite poorly and sorry for herselfdue to a bout of Cellulitis. The condition had left her feeling tired, nauseousand off her food, a situation that was made worse when she started theprescribed course of strong antibiotics. It became bad enough that even thesmell of cooking was sufficient to make want to throw up, so for a couple ofevenings Matthew and I decided it was best to eat out.Every cloud has a silver lining as they say, and this was noexception, the only trouble was, apart from the well-known chains, there aren'tthat many pubs in the local area that serve food on a Monday evening. One placethat I knew kept its kitchen open, was the Spotted Dog (https://spotteddogpub.co.uk/), at Smarts Hill near Penshurst,but just to make sure I phoned up and made a reservation. The lad and I arrivedshortly before 7:00 pm but were rather bemused to discover there was no free parkingspace available in what is, quite a substantial car park.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp6Q7VnbKoHpse1-56l4XE526GOegZgR6YPkAqF9UIo6tPhMkxvc3-WM-mJs9uuecmt5OQE2qZdtTNHVzLuZmMtPx650v1sIHiItSOMWDRe bWhYqJU7UUn-P2kd6tx_hXePfNZ-p26iP3Q1crjPtm059xfS8BaEC9OlnRlJHxkwMaKjbX5dybbllQ l4s/w400-h300/DSCN1925.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp6Q7VnbKoHpse1-56l4XE526GOegZgR6YPkAqF9UIo6tPhMkxvc3-WM-mJs9uuecmt5OQE2qZdtTNHVzLuZmMtPx650v1sIHiItSOMWDRe bWhYqJU7UUn-P2kd6tx_hXePfNZ-p26iP3Q1crjPtm059xfS8BaEC9OlnRlJHxkwMaKjbX5dybbllQ l4s/s4608/DSCN1925.JPG)
This seemed strange, although the cause soon became apparent,because milling around in the car park, were a large number of athletic lookingindividuals. At first, I thought they were ramblers, but it soon dawned on me thatthey were runners, looking at maps and comparing notes with one another. They wereobviously about to depart on a run, and the logical conclusion Matthew and Ijumped to was that this group of individuals were rather cheekily leaving theirvehicles in the pub car park before setting off on a run.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7z-IHXiG9m_RzXPHUrF1amf5WgU0kUzhwKoECDjSAQUp3XTnt5pQ_ Pdg2fE_OTQOSoniiT_u1-fC5SAhDwwoIrY2w4pZMyPALA8AyVoXKmeDFtmKcgpT25tKD6AY BcSfTKdQNmsJoWfnUJ9fQyqIRQckyTCQ1jP0mCEgW3R0K4DUm9 R64kFmefAVhGM/w400-h225/IMG_20230717_193028.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7z-IHXiG9m_RzXPHUrF1amf5WgU0kUzhwKoECDjSAQUp3XTnt5pQ_ Pdg2fE_OTQOSoniiT_u1-fC5SAhDwwoIrY2w4pZMyPALA8AyVoXKmeDFtmKcgpT25tKD6AY BcSfTKdQNmsJoWfnUJ9fQyqIRQckyTCQ1jP0mCEgW3R0K4DUm9 R64kFmefAVhGM/s4000/IMG_20230717_193028.jpg)
Not amused, I phoned pub, to inform them I booked a tablebut was unable to get my vehicle into the car park. “You're not cancelling, areyou?” replied the lady who answered the phone. I replied that I might have to,as there was nowhere to leave the car. She told me that there was some space tothe left of the pub, in front of the garage, and that as the roads were slightlywider there, we should be alright. I did as instructed, even though I'm not afan of leaving my vehicle, in an exposed position on an unlit country lane.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP6oqrlPhnMehjg-IAT4lUEYCqrTPPcSp8fyUoRQFkCV4jmw22RqbMEM3XneaDetaX UYBJv3v-ClHUaiWso9setCe5Uoysx3ZtLbJHi3Y2lEbISmntsAFp_qa-G37YrCxuOvlmyFkDr4DVbZ2TKVpkhemvaMidZa7XeLxs13VjJP rEZYbeRreyiL_Xrc/w400-h225/Spotted%20Dog%20Interior.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP6oqrlPhnMehjg-IAT4lUEYCqrTPPcSp8fyUoRQFkCV4jmw22RqbMEM3XneaDetaX UYBJv3v-ClHUaiWso9setCe5Uoysx3ZtLbJHi3Y2lEbISmntsAFp_qa-G37YrCxuOvlmyFkDr4DVbZ2TKVpkhemvaMidZa7XeLxs13VjJP rEZYbeRreyiL_Xrc/s3779/Spotted%20Dog%20Interior.jpg)
We walked back to the Spotted Dog (https://spotteddogpub.co.uk/)expecting to it heaving, butthere was ample room inside, especially for people like us who had booked a table. Wewere directed to one close to the fireplace, and facing the bar, but first wewanted a drink. I said to the lady behind the bar that I’d expected the pub tobe bursting at the seams, given the number of cars parked outside. She laughed and explained that most of these belongedto members of a local running club, and the idea was they would leave their vehiclesin the car park, go off for their run, and then return to the pub for a drink, abite to eat or perhaps both. That was the plan, although I wondered how many runnerswould actually do this. Just in case most of them did, I suggested to Matthew thatonce we were suitably fed and watered, it would be best to leave the pub beforeit was taken over by a load of dusty, sweaty and potentially smelly runners.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvTURqDJd_Hs-c6-JTuQP3Nq-azORX7_IQRMAVSa7aV63i_Py_MFBaczlv4G-IsYxpToXB09GnTuQcaHBmvpU-0oauzlnJgwJg2hIYBdAnB9GwdnIK5PY7YpN_iZi6kl2SwrtaMs HksC7nU4PsVdkWtpM1U8ne7j2ukA0nJ-vbwwHIykgGua29KFm0MQ/w400-h225/IMG_20230717_193012.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvTURqDJd_Hs-c6-JTuQP3Nq-azORX7_IQRMAVSa7aV63i_Py_MFBaczlv4G-IsYxpToXB09GnTuQcaHBmvpU-0oauzlnJgwJg2hIYBdAnB9GwdnIK5PY7YpN_iZi6kl2SwrtaMs HksC7nU4PsVdkWtpM1U8ne7j2ukA0nJ-vbwwHIykgGua29KFm0MQ/s4000/IMG_20230717_193012.jpg)
This aside, we ordered some drinks, a pint of Harvey’s Bestfor me as, disappointingly, the Goacher’s Silver Star that had been my originalchoice had gone off (why not turn the pump clip around?) The other cask beer wasthe ubiquitous Larkin’s Trad, a 3.4% ordinary bitter which, despite being thebrewery’s best-selling brand, has never been my favourite. Matthew, on the otherhand, didn't need much persuasion to go for the Hofmeister, although it was mewho spotted it! He's obviously not suchan experienced pub-goer as me.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pORvgT_kgNUF1CM7ghvD9vrrQF6nDX-CqmNZF79uSWeE5DYval8p-PydBEBLpRuKJ45PdNi4OUeguR4_MdS9OW8TssRSHz8ipdQ4ZzS 4qq6Mn19NrIBomDTrgDB9kxfCrFDKQ0Vljgaw6Cqu9pFSQtPT9 nVFwcgUbrJU5WuMqDPOHjvsybYo5cFjr9U/w400-h225/IMG_20230717_195849.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pORvgT_kgNUF1CM7ghvD9vrrQF6nDX-CqmNZF79uSWeE5DYval8p-PydBEBLpRuKJ45PdNi4OUeguR4_MdS9OW8TssRSHz8ipdQ4ZzS 4qq6Mn19NrIBomDTrgDB9kxfCrFDKQ0Vljgaw6Cqu9pFSQtPT9 nVFwcgUbrJU5WuMqDPOHjvsybYo5cFjr9U/s4000/IMG_20230717_195849.jpg)
We were a little disappointed to find the pub had changedits menu, because until quite recently, Monday evening was Curry Night at the SpottedDog, and whilst there was a single Korma dish featured on the menu, most of theoptions were pretty standard pub fayre. One item that took my fancy was “pie ofthe day,” although when the time came to order I didn't really fancy the ideaof Steak and Stilton as a filling. Instead, I decided to be boring and went forgood old fish and chips. Matthew chose burger and chips, so no surprises there,and we didn't have to wait long either before the food was served up. It waspleasant enough, although my piece of battered fish looked too small to be afillet of cod. As if in response to this, I couldn't help overhearing anotherdiner commenting on the size of the fish to his companions. He too seemed to be wondering what type of fish it was, but despite thisneither of us plucked up the courage to ask the staff.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MA-keof2vH-CLxurUlbErhzZN2aQiawF4_BAiwwl4E087L-GOgysFGhy-WJu2YrVWVrFRH8LFelL_6DXIQR6V1-3zdI3-WZRXCM3qtH_zOatB-9ODZ8Kd-RS3ZQo6zJDlqWMKjrYNLtiGlhyBcUceWG5SjcyMDOw3pVQekxT kqI0kCeIep3LXTUDKJE/w400-h225/Spotted%20Dog%20ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MA-keof2vH-CLxurUlbErhzZN2aQiawF4_BAiwwl4E087L-GOgysFGhy-WJu2YrVWVrFRH8LFelL_6DXIQR6V1-3zdI3-WZRXCM3qtH_zOatB-9ODZ8Kd-RS3ZQo6zJDlqWMKjrYNLtiGlhyBcUceWG5SjcyMDOw3pVQekxT kqI0kCeIep3LXTUDKJE/s1364/Spotted%20Dog%20ext.jpg)
As planned, we managed to leave the pub in good time, andcertainly before any panting and sweat soaked runners turned up to spoil theshow. Thank goodness I said, because I can't think of anything worse than across country run, as it reminds me too much of school, and the times we usedto bunk off, and hide in the woods, before tagging on the end as the rest ofthe group came panting back, having completed the full course. It reminds me ofthe time I was chosen to be a marker for the House Cross-country Competition, andI sent a group of runners along the wrong path. This wasn’t deliberate,although I got into trouble for it, but my argument was the PE master hadn’texplained the route properly. Happiest days of one’s life? I don't really thinkso, but looking back I have to allow myself a chuckle over the incident.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_77iQPwQLgl70PU5BVC4ZsZXJNFtn347_cDuBUkA9PC 6aln7y_VTAQ2rEK3XCnohDdH40P1fJhlp96jIL1MLKFr_Ud0Ju GOQNVXtS5lWletQJG4_6JmcFVSbZ3POxNA2g3wkWrDG-V5gipw_vJ78kXkv7EH3P8KQoNg-I9_t0IIdA92oYHYO0RO9Q2HA/w400-h228/Vauxhall%20Inn.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_77iQPwQLgl70PU5BVC4ZsZXJNFtn347_cDuBUkA9PC 6aln7y_VTAQ2rEK3XCnohDdH40P1fJhlp96jIL1MLKFr_Ud0Ju GOQNVXtS5lWletQJG4_6JmcFVSbZ3POxNA2g3wkWrDG-V5gipw_vJ78kXkv7EH3P8KQoNg-I9_t0IIdA92oYHYO0RO9Q2HA/s3539/Vauxhall%20Inn.jpg)
The following day, the lady of the house was still feeling poorly,and the smell of food was again inducing feelings of nausea. This time Itold Matthew I didn't want to drive, so we walked the short distance from home tothe VauxhallInn (http://www.chefandbrewer.com/pub/vauxhall-inn-tonbridge/p1234/), an enlarged former coaching inn, on the edge of Tonbridge, on theold London-Hastings road. Today it forms part of the Chef & Brewerchain, although when I first moved to Tonbridge it was a much smaller, and ratherbasic Whitbread pub. For those contemplating a longer stay, thereis a Premier Inn (http://www.premierinn.com/) adjacent tothe pub, which makes the Vauxhall a good base for those visiting the area.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbjLBEY6wpN1tjwSMzTwiiLUFAaLTp-Vq0r4R3CJk5Oo8N0jZ4fajfUDTb9lM-1SoIqlu6VCje80JXBnUgfoTm97dXffv01eDx9KZrozum33Ok2c 0rZmvsS4GtpjUn_gPTPQUumVJcqp8tHLdntSwvaWTidsBTgH2Y di8ckC8IKe61umSS73YqYaElB0/w400-h225/IMG_20230718_205331.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbjLBEY6wpN1tjwSMzTwiiLUFAaLTp-Vq0r4R3CJk5Oo8N0jZ4fajfUDTb9lM-1SoIqlu6VCje80JXBnUgfoTm97dXffv01eDx9KZrozum33Ok2c 0rZmvsS4GtpjUn_gPTPQUumVJcqp8tHLdntSwvaWTidsBTgH2Y di8ckC8IKe61umSS73YqYaElB0/s4000/IMG_20230718_205331.jpg)
The entrance to the pub is via the side door, and onceinside we were met by a member of staff, who showed us to a table at the rearof the pub. According to Matthew, who frequents the Vauxhall far more often than me,this is now the restaurant area. He said that his friend was annoyed as themanagement don’t allow customers to eat in the bar anymore, but this didn'tparticularly bother me at the time. I asked the young man what beers were available,and I was told there was no cask. So as a distress purchase, I opted for the GreeneKing Ice Breaker, a keg “craft ale”. Matthew went for an Amstel, or something equallyinsipid, but when my beer arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find that itwas not full of gas, not too cold, and instead it was rather flavoursome.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMzThmdlQWAxlCRJFrUS9XykartDJNj_9XIDOj6F5me CLWBaYB8UrqY0KA1iu_hEhhTNGb_WE3z96mNl1cGUy2g5gWrMD QbzQ5bjPF44kSTrwv_tA2Xs1QvEQUl3_Tl0LP5vpjeEj8RmyF3 UwTlQvCXZY5jigoFngPZqBCPQw2-S66lztIe8qMl1OSw4/w400-h225/IMG_20230718_195054.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMzThmdlQWAxlCRJFrUS9XykartDJNj_9XIDOj6F5me CLWBaYB8UrqY0KA1iu_hEhhTNGb_WE3z96mNl1cGUy2g5gWrMD QbzQ5bjPF44kSTrwv_tA2Xs1QvEQUl3_Tl0LP5vpjeEj8RmyF3 UwTlQvCXZY5jigoFngPZqBCPQw2-S66lztIe8qMl1OSw4/s4000/IMG_20230718_195054.jpg)
As with the Spotted Dog, pies featured on the Vauxhall’s menu,so I chose the chicken and ham hock variety, served up with mash, vegetables,and gravy. Once again, Matthew went fora burger, but that’s what he enjoys, and it’s never a bad choice. There was a reasonablenumber of customers in the pub, but it wasn't exactly heaving. Also, as most ofthe diners were already there when we arrived, Matthew and I ended up being thelast to leave. All in all, it was a good meal and the Ice Breaker too, wasn’t a badpint either.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxJaPd4sWQsrRG4rNfvXjpBF4fqYotmXhraqPGuSd29 r8pYMoNywuE4nJU618FQXQBP2MJHvuYlwXCjpJz265U8-67ZzuuBdzNKf3NhL5LBd2m5guL8r3-hw1gvNQW-djLLMuehZLPJy_vP7dNoo9UeMa5zKr4ctOCnGgDtn6AZ5kbtPc oEpa_2bHqfg/w400-h225/Vauxhall%20Int.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxJaPd4sWQsrRG4rNfvXjpBF4fqYotmXhraqPGuSd29 r8pYMoNywuE4nJU618FQXQBP2MJHvuYlwXCjpJz265U8-67ZzuuBdzNKf3NhL5LBd2m5guL8r3-hw1gvNQW-djLLMuehZLPJy_vP7dNoo9UeMa5zKr4ctOCnGgDtn6AZ5kbtPc oEpa_2bHqfg/s4000/Vauxhall%20Int.jpg)
By Wednesday Mrs PBT's was feeling a little bit better,although she was still off her food. Matthew and I bought ourselves a "readymeal" each, and when we got home from the supermarket, Eileen disappearedupstairs, leaving us to enjoy our meal without feeling guilty. The same thinghappened the following day, but by Friday she was feeling much better and eatingagain. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OkN-CqM3wb08-Ggo5nDcEV9AJk-YOiiPEPIm2byX5xf3e3dyIUCcUfw0qv3gbg_KGcqCy3WkHUNpC kdbJAbiKwoKI6kVWEE4AKUx3Ayxun3QPVTZcsRAeriY_Cve-UwiEBVlNVm7KEemvkAzLtoCijnmxOo2Cq2YzoHEMTG6wj_W8X2 jJNYwQLMB5go/w400-h225/Vauxhall%20-%20evening.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OkN-CqM3wb08-Ggo5nDcEV9AJk-YOiiPEPIm2byX5xf3e3dyIUCcUfw0qv3gbg_KGcqCy3WkHUNpC kdbJAbiKwoKI6kVWEE4AKUx3Ayxun3QPVTZcsRAeriY_Cve-UwiEBVlNVm7KEemvkAzLtoCijnmxOo2Cq2YzoHEMTG6wj_W8X2 jJNYwQLMB5go/s4000/Vauxhall%20-%20evening.jpg)Neither of us are sure what caused Eileen's Cellulitis. It’s anon-transmittable disease, and the consensus is that the bacteria which causeit, breach the body’s defences by entering through a small wound, such as an insectbite, or a cut.
We’re pretty certain that in Eileen’s case, a cracked heel wasthe cause, but this is now the second time that she’s had this condition. As Iwrote before, it’s far more common than people realise, so do take care whilstgardening, or walking through brambles, and wear long trousers as well, whenhiking. Shorts might feel more comfortable, but there are quite a few nastiesout there, lurking in the long grass, just waiting for a juicy chunk ofunprotected leg flesh to sink their fangs into. Tick-borne ailments, such asLyme disease, are on the increase, so do take care whilst out there.
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