retiredmartin

 

You left us in Coveney, beer desert of the Fens.

Mrs RM is walking a million steps for charity.  “In a week ?” I said.  In 3 months, apparently.

She’d managed 11,288 (244 calories) in the Fens, so deserved a pint (288 calories).

“Witcham ?  Why not ?” is my pitch for Tourist Ambassador at my latest Fen village of c.400 souls.

The White Horse was a GBG regular a decade ago, there being precious little competition from the teeming metropoli (?) of Sutton, Mepal and Wilburton.

“Unpretentious” sums up the White Horse.  I’d love to say it was “flashy” on my last visit in 2008, but let’s not fib.

This will be another good test of the New Normal, I thought.

One way systems, “please don’t stand in front of the bar“, visitors book for track and trace, shiny surfaces.

This is typical shiny Fens village pub. YOU might not like it, but my parents would.  They’d be terrified by Sam Smiths pubs, and not because Humphrey’s just put the price of OBB up.

The pub is pleased to see me, I’m pleased to see the pub. They ask if we’re from the village campsite, seem surprised we’re from Waterbeach, and recommend their favourite J20 substitute for James.

Mrs RM has followed the arrows to the first of three secluded outdoor areas, leaving me to carry 3 drinks and open door with my elbow, noting for posterity the playing of “Tango in the Night” by the Mac.

I tell you this to reinforce the sense that pubs are back, much as normal, bar greater reliance on their beer gardens than you’d expect in cloudy weather. The families take a garden each, mouthing  “Social distancing” at me (or something that rhymes with it).

Mrs RM raves about her Parkway Fool’s Gold (no, me neither) and my Tribute is good enough, both served in the Oakham Oakademy glasses.

The beer since the 4th has been fresh, being freshly brewed for pubs reopening.  It might be the best beer you get all year, RIGHT NOW.

The new rules take some getting used to. This contraption is where you leave your glasses, NOT inside.

Life is all about adaption now.

The pub adapts to Covid by installing a one way system, the bus shelter becomes the home for Tetris.

The High Street is a minor architectural gem of rambling halls,

ancient church,

play area with Dumbo of similar vintage to the Fleetwood Mac,

and that’s your lot.

Oh, what’s that in the phone box ?

Library ?

Defibrilator ?

Pot plants ?

Something you don’t expect to find in a Fenland phone box, that’s what.

Yes, I KNOW it looks like Simon.  What can I say ? Why isn’t it a listed building ?