retiredmartin

August 2024 – Sutton Valence.

Trips down south to my parents every week this year, but only a couple of visits to the in-laws, which we remedied with a day in Southborough and a meal for four from the UK’s second-best Chinese takeaway.

And than an ultra-rare new GBG tick in a near fallow year in the mysterious “Greater Maidstone”.

Admit it, you thought Sutton Valence was a 1980s member of the Tom Petty touring band.

Seen it on the map many times, never been, looks absolutely gorgeous standing tall in the Weald of Kent.

And you’ll wonder how the Queen’s Head hasn’t been in the GBG before.

Note the steps you climb to board your horse.

A bit quiet, but it is a bit quiet, perhaps Maidstone goes to bed early on Monday.

Hops on the ceiling, flowers on the bar, a 16th century fireplace,

two Goachers on the hunting print pumps.

A reliable pint, the Light, cool and crisp (3.5), but a pub needs more than good beer. How does the banter hold up ? And if I attempt to join a strangers conversation, will I be allowed in ?

The two chaps at the bar are discussing Boris’s water cannon and the Olympics.

“What time is the hurdles ?” I ask.

“Dunno, about a quarter to nine ?“

I check for myself, on something called “Google”. It’s on at 8:47.

“You’re two minutes out !” I say. He cheers.

The landlady follow me to the door, possibly making sure the pedant is actually leaving town. But no, she stops to tell me about the pub games section.

If I’d been listening I’d explain it to you now.

And if I’d had any sense I’d have popped in the King’s Head next door for a half; Pride and Westerham surely guarantee a GBG entry soon.

But instead, we head to our hotel for the night, tantalising close to the best lamb chops in the kingdom.