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06-08-2023, 21:12
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-return-of-builders-summer-party.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVl3akXv8RyD6-7aWjco2-BY8sHsA4naP0W88byU7ENpFQMm3YURYZbrVYj6TA6PLD4esfxP GxHHixdRK-Lk8qkFsUGMy9YHj68tbxLM50YSVn_XyIa8IyHrJiTFLC4lHW8R VEQqSReBNyG102npZC-5uUIb0aguK96lJx5sCqDIZ0ZsVQ5gziDwHxZM/w229-h400/Tonbridge%20Trad.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVl3akXv8RyD6-7aWjco2-BY8sHsA4naP0W88byU7ENpFQMm3YURYZbrVYj6TA6PLD4esfxP GxHHixdRK-Lk8qkFsUGMy9YHj68tbxLM50YSVn_XyIa8IyHrJiTFLC4lHW8R VEQqSReBNyG102npZC-5uUIb0aguK96lJx5sCqDIZ0ZsVQ5gziDwHxZM/s3675/Tonbridge%20Trad.jpg)
In my rush to get the previous post out I'm forgettingabout an event that took place a week ago, on a day when the weather wassomewhat different to what we're experiencing at the moment. But that's anEnglish summer for you, one minute it's sunny, dry, and baking hot, and thenext it’s tipping down with rain. It was last Saturday that Mrs PBT's and Iattended a barbecue at a pub at the other end of Tonbridge. It was her first tripout in over a fortnight, after being confined to quarters due to the Cellulitisthat had affected lower right leg. The occasion was a summer party, hosted by the owner of oneof the construction firms Eileen does accountancy and book-keeping work for. Dan’ssummer parties were legendary and were an annual event. They were noted forgood food and copious amounts of drink, but the 2019 event was the last one,because eight months later COVID reared its ugly head and much of the worldwent into lock-down.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JQEFbjVz6CwkL4e99gZE3jWy0_sD8fnxKuTOyA2xT-btc6PThqy9Q8ZJ5fbSzFeERDDtWIzNrQ_HoZohG9KAVT4IKdZG 4zAADDR71t7kIl3-GiYAKKvKrubBzw61tCCuZ4Vpc8n87FcK8G04Ikni_jJ4d_-1zEarwkhwgwHGmJFTxv-c8G9PHpc8-TU/w400-h300/Carpenters%20Arms.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JQEFbjVz6CwkL4e99gZE3jWy0_sD8fnxKuTOyA2xT-btc6PThqy9Q8ZJ5fbSzFeERDDtWIzNrQ_HoZohG9KAVT4IKdZG 4zAADDR71t7kIl3-GiYAKKvKrubBzw61tCCuZ4Vpc8n87FcK8G04Ikni_jJ4d_-1zEarwkhwgwHGmJFTxv-c8G9PHpc8-TU/s4128/Carpenters%20Arms.jpg)
These summer parties had always taken place at the CarpentersArms, an upmarket free house in Three Elm Lane, on the northern edge of Tonbridge.The pub was just right for that sort of event, and Dan would make sure to book theraised patio at the front of the pub, overlooking the road. There would be afree bar accompanied by a rather good finger buffet finger. A succession ofdifferent dishes would then be brought out, with a selection that includedScotch eggs, sausage rolls, chips, sandwiches, and similar sorts of goodies.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Rbs4oJCa4AmWTN4D6aqd8YxV_QW0InjzOgXo9JCp-BmIIF0P0L6WNTZsq0DB9U83FyW5dQW0VmDMdJAZE4tt4Nc4Ku2 wwghF9Vana5RJbqBOhRzbdkbm069BmuPqzIJoJUHdxY9F_Psmz pZm-P3hLmURa3EMHFIC1FyF6_t-VJ7Gb5I_VONxsewG8g/w400-h204/George%20&%20Dragon.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Rbs4oJCa4AmWTN4D6aqd8YxV_QW0InjzOgXo9JCp-BmIIF0P0L6WNTZsq0DB9U83FyW5dQW0VmDMdJAZE4tt4Nc4Ku2 wwghF9Vana5RJbqBOhRzbdkbm069BmuPqzIJoJUHdxY9F_Psmz pZm-P3hLmURa3EMHFIC1FyF6_t-VJ7Gb5I_VONxsewG8g/s3778/George%20&%20Dragon.jpg)
They were boozy, but good-natured events and it was a shamewhen, like so many other events, the pandemic put a stop to them. Fast forwardfour years and the summer party was back on, but this time at a different venue,with a slimmed down menu, and a trimmed guest list. I’m not sure whether theswitch was due to a change of owners at the Carpenter’s, as the pub is now ownedby Young & Co, but the garden of the George & Dragon, in Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge,was the new location for the bash. It ticked all the right boxes, and as theweather fortunately stayed dry, it proved the perfect location.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_ZSETcujJoEJIAvSbyXGYf1JbBwv44UCGZWazdF-jHrTfAT8_Ydo3Tzt8Etkbym_jY9vzFMjxbWYP7Gil_EZMQ7lK0 6tNfm4NbmyYrI_CetTTO_rlE3VaH3DoA85cg1LY6aLPUvV6-vlcki8J9q-VvjA6q0W8Nfu99uv9OwCQl4Xs_UFhM9mzfNOlWU/w400-h263/Shipbourne%20Road.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_ZSETcujJoEJIAvSbyXGYf1JbBwv44UCGZWazdF-jHrTfAT8_Ydo3Tzt8Etkbym_jY9vzFMjxbWYP7Gil_EZMQ7lK0 6tNfm4NbmyYrI_CetTTO_rlE3VaH3DoA85cg1LY6aLPUvV6-vlcki8J9q-VvjA6q0W8Nfu99uv9OwCQl4Xs_UFhM9mzfNOlWU/s3098/Shipbourne%20Road.jpg)
Last Saturday was my second visit to the George & Dragonin just over a year - the previous one being walkabout of north Tonbridge with friendsfrom West Kent CAMRA branch. Despite its 19th Century exterior, the pub has beenopened up inside to create a modern and vibrant space for locals and visitorsalike. It is very much a sporting pub, with televised football matches, and lastSaturday, highlights of the 4th Test match between England andAustralia. It also boasts two pool tables darts, along with darts as well.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFibIYK-_8HbvPFJry4H6zzhd8N9e0W5kv9zgozyJuVYf1L_SQPGHJWLa_ VeaK-4VVR4HSBVzl_RTx8rD-3qG192Ot219OnEclvjHFdu8idCuJfMcDMq2mViuaj_fx7x7Zvv Q_XtsuE9lTwliyS7T1_zYh4-_GbKaeazR7ZGie4DbGDYJVBw39VkE7BBY/w400-h249/G&D%20Int.%201.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFibIYK-_8HbvPFJry4H6zzhd8N9e0W5kv9zgozyJuVYf1L_SQPGHJWLa_ VeaK-4VVR4HSBVzl_RTx8rD-3qG192Ot219OnEclvjHFdu8idCuJfMcDMq2mViuaj_fx7x7Zvv Q_XtsuE9lTwliyS7T1_zYh4-_GbKaeazR7ZGie4DbGDYJVBw39VkE7BBY/s3390/G&D%20Int.%201.jpg)
The pub isn’t all sports though, as there is a quiet area atthe opposite end of the building to the right of the bar. In effect it's afriendly community- centred local, and whilst it no longer opens during week atlunchtimes, come the evening, and also weekends the pub is home to a vibrantgroups of drinkers, and sports enthusiasts, having a good time. Eileen and I both know the pub, from the time we workedtogether at a Tonbridge engineering firm about 15 minutes’ walk away. Eileen wasmore familiar with the G&D than me, and whilst we were there last weekend, sherecalled how her department, which was nearly all girls, would head off to the pubevery Friday lunchtime for a bite to eat, plus a few drinks. Come eveningopening time, her and a colleague would be sitting on the pub doorstep waiting forit to open. This, of course, was before all day opening came into operation.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9AzbN_MMCDICnvpPPSiXil_IsxKicWiSLCyHXHciVE rzCR71lwiUbzzS1TAOLOv1zbQxM-dN4PvQlcaulqWXU0XHb7Lqmgw_qZEi_S6fZkf_JnX-z-jcU9343UkFzKqRKVahI8YmtHl1FNWYeyz8UfjIGNDc6ktCTVqY nL6wac-cIuU6daY7SL9FrgI/w400-h225/G&D%20Int.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9AzbN_MMCDICnvpPPSiXil_IsxKicWiSLCyHXHciVE rzCR71lwiUbzzS1TAOLOv1zbQxM-dN4PvQlcaulqWXU0XHb7Lqmgw_qZEi_S6fZkf_JnX-z-jcU9343UkFzKqRKVahI8YmtHl1FNWYeyz8UfjIGNDc6ktCTVqY nL6wac-cIuU6daY7SL9FrgI/s3930/G&D%20Int.jpg)
From what I remember the G&D was a Courage pub, which isprobably why I was less keen on the place, but it did serve up good food andhad a nice welcoming atmosphere. Nothing much had changed on the latter score, andwhen we arrived shortly before 6:30pm the pub was buzzing. Matthew kindly gaveus a lift there, and also picked us up later on, which was good as it allowedme to enjoy a few beers without worrying about driving. The two cask ales werethe same as on my previous visit, namely Tonbridge Traditional and Harvey’sSussex Best. I tried both, preferring the Harvey’s, as the Traditional was alittle on the weak side for my tastes.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI_MqEhAsTwdk8qJAc6Rj21gE_wdWoX_TQ0h3b2ZA6Y mJ1oRwjtVhZBFN_uwrFbbf3u9jHdIyV2Z-2wIgrAOGmbmyRAc9ACblMxss0V1E8BmgA_n9FrZuEnvbdecW65 vdFNRfY8ZT6weQZogaddJhgh1dPy7kp8ADHTkAWgVDsJcdE6-xbNDmVf9iXcA/w400-h225/G&D%20Dan%20BBQ.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI_MqEhAsTwdk8qJAc6Rj21gE_wdWoX_TQ0h3b2ZA6Y mJ1oRwjtVhZBFN_uwrFbbf3u9jHdIyV2Z-2wIgrAOGmbmyRAc9ACblMxss0V1E8BmgA_n9FrZuEnvbdecW65 vdFNRfY8ZT6weQZogaddJhgh1dPy7kp8ADHTkAWgVDsJcdE6-xbNDmVf9iXcA/s4000/G&D%20Dan%20BBQ.jpg)
The numbers at the party were noticeably down on previousevents, but this was no bad thing, as it's still a large outlay on behalf ofthe firm. In addition, I recall a previous event where guests were being verygreedy and wasteful, behaving in a way they would not have done if they’d beenpicking up the tab. I’m talking here about half full glasses of wine, beer andother drinks being left on the table at the end of the evening, all ordered bypeople whose eyes were no doubt bigger than their bellies.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdYxQ_8LzGtj_2LVkGA7blno_bvBN-uPl9oj8kz-hZ7kxVMofwtWi7J9sywEDi281Kw95Sr-4MRsLcO4LOGv33ivIQX35QOQlCaSvdvChea6DYc1Mv29n5XUZt-rmwnDZs_Z0pbSq4laj5M4r39wxvcd0vSAC-Nk7pBy3Nnek69DEzcH_0n5eqr87rjE/w400-h225/G&D%20BBQ.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdYxQ_8LzGtj_2LVkGA7blno_bvBN-uPl9oj8kz-hZ7kxVMofwtWi7J9sywEDi281Kw95Sr-4MRsLcO4LOGv33ivIQX35QOQlCaSvdvChea6DYc1Mv29n5XUZt-rmwnDZs_Z0pbSq4laj5M4r39wxvcd0vSAC-Nk7pBy3Nnek69DEzcH_0n5eqr87rjE/s1204/G&D%20BBQ.jpg)
The George had laid on a decent barbecue that evening, with agood selection of meat for the flesh-eaters, that included some excellentburgers, sausages, chicken quarters, plus the odd kofta on a stick. I shouldhave remembered though, from past experience that paper plates have an inherentweakness, and whilst they are fine with two hands on the job, they are less sowith one, and are liable to flex. Playing the gallant partner, I picked asimilar selection for both Mrs PBT’s and myself, and only just made it back tothe table before the plates began to collapse.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidPUo4cwuDhL1s3MiuM0obZuX1T7-So8iQa7TZDr0rsihZ7XxOB9v_zVv6uQUfZAG-qoJVTAD-3uaLF86_9_oLJuE_8aiZuEJk3ot4zyQixNc71Z3vtTUpwmk1_q dI1pQ9DrJSoKUwLxhgY4rJMn9MMF1Zd0Wl6WNTULGMt1UHSCht 0DeZYRNj8iunOE/w400-h225/IMG_20230729_193153.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidPUo4cwuDhL1s3MiuM0obZuX1T7-So8iQa7TZDr0rsihZ7XxOB9v_zVv6uQUfZAG-qoJVTAD-3uaLF86_9_oLJuE_8aiZuEJk3ot4zyQixNc71Z3vtTUpwmk1_q dI1pQ9DrJSoKUwLxhgY4rJMn9MMF1Zd0Wl6WNTULGMt1UHSCht 0DeZYRNj8iunOE/s4000/IMG_20230729_193153.jpg)
The well laid out and spacious garden, with its well-keptborders and flowering shrubs, formed a good backdrop to the evening. In addition,with the rain holding off and the temperatures remaining warm, it was the idealspot. I don't think I've been out in the garden before, but it was a real oasisof calm, well away from the busy road in front of the pub, and a credit to the owners.Matthew arrived to pick us up, shortly after 9pm, by which time I’d enjoyed twopints of Harvey’s and one of Tonbridge. I’m sure that getting out of the house wasgood for Eileen's recovery from what has been an unpleasant, and at times, quite a painful experience.
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More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-return-of-builders-summer-party.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVl3akXv8RyD6-7aWjco2-BY8sHsA4naP0W88byU7ENpFQMm3YURYZbrVYj6TA6PLD4esfxP GxHHixdRK-Lk8qkFsUGMy9YHj68tbxLM50YSVn_XyIa8IyHrJiTFLC4lHW8R VEQqSReBNyG102npZC-5uUIb0aguK96lJx5sCqDIZ0ZsVQ5gziDwHxZM/w229-h400/Tonbridge%20Trad.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVl3akXv8RyD6-7aWjco2-BY8sHsA4naP0W88byU7ENpFQMm3YURYZbrVYj6TA6PLD4esfxP GxHHixdRK-Lk8qkFsUGMy9YHj68tbxLM50YSVn_XyIa8IyHrJiTFLC4lHW8R VEQqSReBNyG102npZC-5uUIb0aguK96lJx5sCqDIZ0ZsVQ5gziDwHxZM/s3675/Tonbridge%20Trad.jpg)
In my rush to get the previous post out I'm forgettingabout an event that took place a week ago, on a day when the weather wassomewhat different to what we're experiencing at the moment. But that's anEnglish summer for you, one minute it's sunny, dry, and baking hot, and thenext it’s tipping down with rain. It was last Saturday that Mrs PBT's and Iattended a barbecue at a pub at the other end of Tonbridge. It was her first tripout in over a fortnight, after being confined to quarters due to the Cellulitisthat had affected lower right leg. The occasion was a summer party, hosted by the owner of oneof the construction firms Eileen does accountancy and book-keeping work for. Dan’ssummer parties were legendary and were an annual event. They were noted forgood food and copious amounts of drink, but the 2019 event was the last one,because eight months later COVID reared its ugly head and much of the worldwent into lock-down.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JQEFbjVz6CwkL4e99gZE3jWy0_sD8fnxKuTOyA2xT-btc6PThqy9Q8ZJ5fbSzFeERDDtWIzNrQ_HoZohG9KAVT4IKdZG 4zAADDR71t7kIl3-GiYAKKvKrubBzw61tCCuZ4Vpc8n87FcK8G04Ikni_jJ4d_-1zEarwkhwgwHGmJFTxv-c8G9PHpc8-TU/w400-h300/Carpenters%20Arms.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JQEFbjVz6CwkL4e99gZE3jWy0_sD8fnxKuTOyA2xT-btc6PThqy9Q8ZJ5fbSzFeERDDtWIzNrQ_HoZohG9KAVT4IKdZG 4zAADDR71t7kIl3-GiYAKKvKrubBzw61tCCuZ4Vpc8n87FcK8G04Ikni_jJ4d_-1zEarwkhwgwHGmJFTxv-c8G9PHpc8-TU/s4128/Carpenters%20Arms.jpg)
These summer parties had always taken place at the CarpentersArms, an upmarket free house in Three Elm Lane, on the northern edge of Tonbridge.The pub was just right for that sort of event, and Dan would make sure to book theraised patio at the front of the pub, overlooking the road. There would be afree bar accompanied by a rather good finger buffet finger. A succession ofdifferent dishes would then be brought out, with a selection that includedScotch eggs, sausage rolls, chips, sandwiches, and similar sorts of goodies.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Rbs4oJCa4AmWTN4D6aqd8YxV_QW0InjzOgXo9JCp-BmIIF0P0L6WNTZsq0DB9U83FyW5dQW0VmDMdJAZE4tt4Nc4Ku2 wwghF9Vana5RJbqBOhRzbdkbm069BmuPqzIJoJUHdxY9F_Psmz pZm-P3hLmURa3EMHFIC1FyF6_t-VJ7Gb5I_VONxsewG8g/w400-h204/George%20&%20Dragon.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Rbs4oJCa4AmWTN4D6aqd8YxV_QW0InjzOgXo9JCp-BmIIF0P0L6WNTZsq0DB9U83FyW5dQW0VmDMdJAZE4tt4Nc4Ku2 wwghF9Vana5RJbqBOhRzbdkbm069BmuPqzIJoJUHdxY9F_Psmz pZm-P3hLmURa3EMHFIC1FyF6_t-VJ7Gb5I_VONxsewG8g/s3778/George%20&%20Dragon.jpg)
They were boozy, but good-natured events and it was a shamewhen, like so many other events, the pandemic put a stop to them. Fast forwardfour years and the summer party was back on, but this time at a different venue,with a slimmed down menu, and a trimmed guest list. I’m not sure whether theswitch was due to a change of owners at the Carpenter’s, as the pub is now ownedby Young & Co, but the garden of the George & Dragon, in Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge,was the new location for the bash. It ticked all the right boxes, and as theweather fortunately stayed dry, it proved the perfect location.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_ZSETcujJoEJIAvSbyXGYf1JbBwv44UCGZWazdF-jHrTfAT8_Ydo3Tzt8Etkbym_jY9vzFMjxbWYP7Gil_EZMQ7lK0 6tNfm4NbmyYrI_CetTTO_rlE3VaH3DoA85cg1LY6aLPUvV6-vlcki8J9q-VvjA6q0W8Nfu99uv9OwCQl4Xs_UFhM9mzfNOlWU/w400-h263/Shipbourne%20Road.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_ZSETcujJoEJIAvSbyXGYf1JbBwv44UCGZWazdF-jHrTfAT8_Ydo3Tzt8Etkbym_jY9vzFMjxbWYP7Gil_EZMQ7lK0 6tNfm4NbmyYrI_CetTTO_rlE3VaH3DoA85cg1LY6aLPUvV6-vlcki8J9q-VvjA6q0W8Nfu99uv9OwCQl4Xs_UFhM9mzfNOlWU/s3098/Shipbourne%20Road.jpg)
Last Saturday was my second visit to the George & Dragonin just over a year - the previous one being walkabout of north Tonbridge with friendsfrom West Kent CAMRA branch. Despite its 19th Century exterior, the pub has beenopened up inside to create a modern and vibrant space for locals and visitorsalike. It is very much a sporting pub, with televised football matches, and lastSaturday, highlights of the 4th Test match between England andAustralia. It also boasts two pool tables darts, along with darts as well.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFibIYK-_8HbvPFJry4H6zzhd8N9e0W5kv9zgozyJuVYf1L_SQPGHJWLa_ VeaK-4VVR4HSBVzl_RTx8rD-3qG192Ot219OnEclvjHFdu8idCuJfMcDMq2mViuaj_fx7x7Zvv Q_XtsuE9lTwliyS7T1_zYh4-_GbKaeazR7ZGie4DbGDYJVBw39VkE7BBY/w400-h249/G&D%20Int.%201.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFibIYK-_8HbvPFJry4H6zzhd8N9e0W5kv9zgozyJuVYf1L_SQPGHJWLa_ VeaK-4VVR4HSBVzl_RTx8rD-3qG192Ot219OnEclvjHFdu8idCuJfMcDMq2mViuaj_fx7x7Zvv Q_XtsuE9lTwliyS7T1_zYh4-_GbKaeazR7ZGie4DbGDYJVBw39VkE7BBY/s3390/G&D%20Int.%201.jpg)
The pub isn’t all sports though, as there is a quiet area atthe opposite end of the building to the right of the bar. In effect it's afriendly community- centred local, and whilst it no longer opens during week atlunchtimes, come the evening, and also weekends the pub is home to a vibrantgroups of drinkers, and sports enthusiasts, having a good time. Eileen and I both know the pub, from the time we workedtogether at a Tonbridge engineering firm about 15 minutes’ walk away. Eileen wasmore familiar with the G&D than me, and whilst we were there last weekend, sherecalled how her department, which was nearly all girls, would head off to the pubevery Friday lunchtime for a bite to eat, plus a few drinks. Come eveningopening time, her and a colleague would be sitting on the pub doorstep waiting forit to open. This, of course, was before all day opening came into operation.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9AzbN_MMCDICnvpPPSiXil_IsxKicWiSLCyHXHciVE rzCR71lwiUbzzS1TAOLOv1zbQxM-dN4PvQlcaulqWXU0XHb7Lqmgw_qZEi_S6fZkf_JnX-z-jcU9343UkFzKqRKVahI8YmtHl1FNWYeyz8UfjIGNDc6ktCTVqY nL6wac-cIuU6daY7SL9FrgI/w400-h225/G&D%20Int.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9AzbN_MMCDICnvpPPSiXil_IsxKicWiSLCyHXHciVE rzCR71lwiUbzzS1TAOLOv1zbQxM-dN4PvQlcaulqWXU0XHb7Lqmgw_qZEi_S6fZkf_JnX-z-jcU9343UkFzKqRKVahI8YmtHl1FNWYeyz8UfjIGNDc6ktCTVqY nL6wac-cIuU6daY7SL9FrgI/s3930/G&D%20Int.jpg)
From what I remember the G&D was a Courage pub, which isprobably why I was less keen on the place, but it did serve up good food andhad a nice welcoming atmosphere. Nothing much had changed on the latter score, andwhen we arrived shortly before 6:30pm the pub was buzzing. Matthew kindly gaveus a lift there, and also picked us up later on, which was good as it allowedme to enjoy a few beers without worrying about driving. The two cask ales werethe same as on my previous visit, namely Tonbridge Traditional and Harvey’sSussex Best. I tried both, preferring the Harvey’s, as the Traditional was alittle on the weak side for my tastes.
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The numbers at the party were noticeably down on previousevents, but this was no bad thing, as it's still a large outlay on behalf ofthe firm. In addition, I recall a previous event where guests were being verygreedy and wasteful, behaving in a way they would not have done if they’d beenpicking up the tab. I’m talking here about half full glasses of wine, beer andother drinks being left on the table at the end of the evening, all ordered bypeople whose eyes were no doubt bigger than their bellies.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdYxQ_8LzGtj_2LVkGA7blno_bvBN-uPl9oj8kz-hZ7kxVMofwtWi7J9sywEDi281Kw95Sr-4MRsLcO4LOGv33ivIQX35QOQlCaSvdvChea6DYc1Mv29n5XUZt-rmwnDZs_Z0pbSq4laj5M4r39wxvcd0vSAC-Nk7pBy3Nnek69DEzcH_0n5eqr87rjE/w400-h225/G&D%20BBQ.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdYxQ_8LzGtj_2LVkGA7blno_bvBN-uPl9oj8kz-hZ7kxVMofwtWi7J9sywEDi281Kw95Sr-4MRsLcO4LOGv33ivIQX35QOQlCaSvdvChea6DYc1Mv29n5XUZt-rmwnDZs_Z0pbSq4laj5M4r39wxvcd0vSAC-Nk7pBy3Nnek69DEzcH_0n5eqr87rjE/s1204/G&D%20BBQ.jpg)
The George had laid on a decent barbecue that evening, with agood selection of meat for the flesh-eaters, that included some excellentburgers, sausages, chicken quarters, plus the odd kofta on a stick. I shouldhave remembered though, from past experience that paper plates have an inherentweakness, and whilst they are fine with two hands on the job, they are less sowith one, and are liable to flex. Playing the gallant partner, I picked asimilar selection for both Mrs PBT’s and myself, and only just made it back tothe table before the plates began to collapse.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidPUo4cwuDhL1s3MiuM0obZuX1T7-So8iQa7TZDr0rsihZ7XxOB9v_zVv6uQUfZAG-qoJVTAD-3uaLF86_9_oLJuE_8aiZuEJk3ot4zyQixNc71Z3vtTUpwmk1_q dI1pQ9DrJSoKUwLxhgY4rJMn9MMF1Zd0Wl6WNTULGMt1UHSCht 0DeZYRNj8iunOE/w400-h225/IMG_20230729_193153.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidPUo4cwuDhL1s3MiuM0obZuX1T7-So8iQa7TZDr0rsihZ7XxOB9v_zVv6uQUfZAG-qoJVTAD-3uaLF86_9_oLJuE_8aiZuEJk3ot4zyQixNc71Z3vtTUpwmk1_q dI1pQ9DrJSoKUwLxhgY4rJMn9MMF1Zd0Wl6WNTULGMt1UHSCht 0DeZYRNj8iunOE/s4000/IMG_20230729_193153.jpg)
The well laid out and spacious garden, with its well-keptborders and flowering shrubs, formed a good backdrop to the evening. In addition,with the rain holding off and the temperatures remaining warm, it was the idealspot. I don't think I've been out in the garden before, but it was a real oasisof calm, well away from the busy road in front of the pub, and a credit to the owners.Matthew arrived to pick us up, shortly after 9pm, by which time I’d enjoyed twopints of Harvey’s and one of Tonbridge. I’m sure that getting out of the house wasgood for Eileen's recovery from what has been an unpleasant, and at times, quite a painful experience.
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