retiredmartin

December 2025. Old Harlow.

A day in Southborough with the in-laws; a cancelled medical appointment causes irritation but a Meal for 3 from Meows compensates a little.

Now this will come as a surprise to Mrs RM but I reckon the landlady of Meows Chinese takeaway in Southborough is probably my favourite person on earth. Her willingness to open early so an 87 year old father-in-law can get his crispy beef will hold her in good stead in my annual awards.

The next morning it’s up to Waterbeach, via a quick stop in Old Harlow, where Mrs RM decides she doesn’t want to “bide awhile amid its hidden charms“.

No, it’s straight into the Guide newbie Marquis of Granby,

an ancient place which tempts you with Dinkelacker,

and Racoon,

and then gives you perhaps the most spartan pub in the whole GBG. And no, there’s not 300 of them.

Hey ! I like plain. People make pubs, and I admire anyone who puts even less effort into putting up the Christmas decorations than I ever have.

All it lacks is a landlord. It’s half twelve on Friday and no-one is about. I make the loo stop I’ve been dying for since Thurrock, notice one other punter clacking balls (not an Essex euphemism, Russ) in the games room, and consider pouring my own pint, Duncan style.

And then that punter emerges again behind the bar. Mudgie would have been distressed.

He’s a gem.

“Check that Bishop Nick is OK. It’s getting close to end of barrel“.

“Tastes OK” say I.

“Martin…it’s off” says Mrs RM, swigging hers.

“She’s got better taste than I have” I explain to the Guvnor.

“Obviously“.

Barrel changed, two pints vigorously pulled through, the Ridley’s (RIP) Rites is is superb….nick (NBSS 3.5+). See what I did there ?

I can’t fault the Marquis, which I’m guessing comes alive rather later. The beer quality is spot on, there’s a soundtrack of Planet Rock,

and it knows it place as a sports and music bar.

A young chap comes to the bar and waits, as the clack of balls drifts in from the next room, but the Landlord already knows what he’s having.

It’s a motley crew (and probably Mötley Crüe) in this year’s GBG, I tell you.