My weekend experiences over the last few weeks have been very different. Every Sunday I have a date at the pub with this fine chap! He's my 90-year-old driver; Ballsy, obstinate, a mental giant, and 100% independent. He lives alone, loves to cook, and always take me home and makes the perfect latte after our date.
An eligible bachelor, right?
It's a scenic drive to the pub, something that makes my Sundays even more relaxing. Stunning countrysides in the outskirts of the Old Market Town of Newton Abbot, South Devon, UK.
There are several pubs dotted around the town, and along our drive, and a thing to note is that English Pubs normally have catchy names. My date's favourite pub is "The Welcome Stranger", something that he's not, as he's been going to that pub for over 40 years.
He knows the owner of the pub and has been to several of the other pubs run by the owner. He even has a story to tell which sparks my interest because of my love for clocks. According to my date, the pub owner carries the clock from his previous pub as a kind of memorabilia and displays the clock on the wall of his newly owned pub. Here you can see the collection.
The clock gets bigger throughout the years!
Zoom in on the names of his previous pubs, if you wish:)
My date knows the menu in his sleep, and he has vivid memories of the changes in the menu through the years, but he has his two favourites and alternates between roast beef and lamb. The roast beef comes with a traditional Yorkshire pudding, and the lamb comes with a tasty mint sauce. A win-win choice for me.
"My favourite animal is Steak", said Fran Lebowitz.
Well, I'm a big animal lover too!
Veggies on the side for a balanced meal
My love for English Pubs is unwavering, and no matter how good a cook you are, or how convenient it is to purchase good meats and food at your local supermarket or butchery, I am always up for spending a few hours at a pub.
Whether it's the ambiance, the beers or cider on a hot day, a hearty meal, or just the fact that the staff is always down to earth and relatable. There's nothing pretentious about dining in an English pub.
Stepping into an English pub is like a walk back down memory lane, or a glimpse of collectibles that you know are from your granny's days. Luckily my date likes to get there early, so I was able to capture these photos without being intrusive to anyone.
Most of these memorabilia items are from the '70s and '80s. I remember my parents and uncles having a few of them, as well as visiting homes as a child and seeing them displayed in people's homes. So it's always a homely feel and nostalgia that intrigues me whenever I visit English pubs.
The typewriter, do you remember those? I recall sitting upright, back straight, tapping keys and looking away at some script while typing - all an act, just like I'd see secretaries and librarians in the movies. I always got a good laugh especially when I glanced back at the non-sense I managed to type.
I think that should be a nice pub challenge, don't you think?
Something like after a few drinks the most sensible typing should buy a round of drinks...?
I love the artwork and design; paintings, lighting, and the collection of furniture. Makes me want to test to see the comfiest.
There's even a pub garden that's without a doubt a popular spot on hot sunny days like the recent ones we've had here in the UK. There are sometimes outdoor events with live bands.
... and as I mentioned, the lovely latte that my date makes for me.
Isn't this just a great way to spend Sundays?
I enjoy it.
It's rainy today, but canceling my date at The Welcome Stranger is not an option.
What did you do this weekend?
Something new, or was it a ritual like this one that I enjoy?
Thanks for reading, and drop me comments on your plans for today, or what you like most about English Pubs.
PS. I forgot to mention that my date listens to reggae, Abba, Nora Jones, and loves an eclectic mix of music; and he also says, "you're crazy" when he sees me taking all these photos... I find that hilarious! 馃ぃ
All photos are mine