retiredmartin

From Bristol, the by now weekly slog back up/down the M5/M42/M6/A14 was completed in just under the 3 hours, there being no pressing reason to stop in Bromsgrove until the new GBG comes out.

But Mrs RM needed a refreshment stop (new term) half way.

“Pub stop do you ?”

“Oh yes.“

You’ll remember the Wharf at Weldon.

Yes, you really will…

Mrs RM remembered this posho classic as soon as I showed her that photo, which was actually taken over the border in Northamptonshire where the GBG puts it. I’m certain the Wharf is in Leicestershire; let’s hope that doesn’t come back to haunt it.

The official county boundary (see white dashes) are best viewed from the air.

At ground level, it’s still the low-key canalside all-rounder I’ve loved for years, bar the one-way system.

But inside, where I’m used to THIS;

we get THIS…

No sitting, or even lingering at the bar. Where have all the Old Boys gone ?

Well, a few are outside. A few are confined to the tables by the windows (tables frankly underused in years past).

And one chap in tweed pops in to order a takeout. It’s a bit sad, isn’t it ?

Well, yes and no. Families still arrive for Sunday lunch, the dads and mums both enquiring about the real ales.

It’s still an oasis of calm just off the wild A14. The staff are still wonderfully cheery.

And we still get a choice of five beers (I know), including the best Pedi anywhere.

And Mrs RM (again) goes “Mmm” and declares the Church End Fallen Angel “gorgeous“. If she has to do table service in pubs I bet SHE could be a beer cicerone.

She’s right; the Church End is sensational, even better the Pedigree this time. Both are cool, rich and leave you making plans to pitch the campervan in the marina car park some time soon.

Honestly, one of the best 5 pubs in the world. Northants and Leicestershire should duel for it.