'The pub' has a longstanding history as a great British institution and its rapid decline and gradual decay or destruction of former drinking houses all over the UK is a sad indictment of our society.
The local pub is 'our' place, as much as any home, our secular church, a meeting place for the local poet, the war veteran, the gardener or the squire. George Orwell in his essay The moon under the water wrote of his ideal public house as a place with atmosphere and a welcome as warm as the seat by the fire.
Alas there is no home for many a local pub-goer anymore, and the place that was once rooted at the heart of a community now offers early bird menus cooked in a glorified microwave.
Market towns, such as my home town Fareham, have been transformed from a hub of independent retailers and quaint pubs, to retail and pub chains, excessive housing and a broken infrastructure, what is left is a shell of a community.
Fortunately we live within a short driving distance of the beautiful, historic village of Emsworth (see post: Roll out the barrel) Emsworth has retained its community environment, it has a history connected to oyster fishing and boat building, boasts exceptional harbour views and for several years held a food festival which was the largest event of its kind in the UK. Whilst Emsworth has a thriving local community it is also a resort for pleasure boats and tourists. Americans particularly love Emsworth because it is quintessentially English, they don't want to come to the UK to walk around soulless shopping precincts or to sit in a national pub chain, they want what Emsworth offers, traditional pubs and beer houses, they want to feel the history.
The Crown Hotel is situated in the heart of Emsworth, a former 16th century coach house Inn, this grade ll listed building offers a welcoming atmosphere, great food and a fabulous host (although he does sometimes border on being Basil Fawlty) however, preferable to have a passionate landlord than blank, vacant, expressionless staff found in chain pubs up and down the country!
When I spoke with Paul about my food blog he requested that I write about the quality of his food as opposed to his quirky character. I am happy to post photos of our delicious meal which was accompanied by fine wine, and to tell you this was pub grub at its best! The Crown speaks for itself, packed to the rafters with regulars who came to eat a good meal, meet their friends and neighbours, have a few drinks and dance to the wonderful live band.
Desserts looked fantastic but we were literally fit to burst so had to decline, after all we wanted to be able to dance later!
'There is nothing which has been yet contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or Inn.'
-Samuel Johnson
'How much of our literature, our political life, our friendships and love affairs, depend on being able to talk peacefully in a bar.'
-John Wain
Love Donna xxxxxx
No comments:
Post a Comment