Thursday, April 13

Astcote Arms

Splendid contribution from Rod Rubber again, illustrating latest developments in Astcote. I'd always objected to planning permission for the Snug Bar being granted on the grounds that the geese were noisy enough, never mind what they'd be like with a few beers inside them. Access was also rather restricted and the alternative suggestion that a passageway be constructed between my shed and his was turned down on the grounds that I didn't have a Volvo.

Full details of the opening times and possibly unique range offered at The Astcote Arms, purported to include Watneys Red Barrell, Double Diamond and Chrishhtthchattsshtrong as well as Tstslkctspss will be featured in Shed Monthly shortly.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrew,

I spent most of my childhood in Astcote, when the village sported three pubs - sadly now all gone.

Whilst I sympathise with your planning permission difficulties, more power to your elbow with the pub.

Although I have now 'emigrated' south, I visit Astcote whenever I can. Is the Astcote Arms open for visitors?

Cheers
Doug McKeown

Andrew Hill said...

Thanks for getting in touch, Doug. The Astcote Arms gave rise to a considerable din of inequity for a brief period.

The innkeeper, Adrian Pinckard, had some splendid brews on tap there and it proved necessary to re-align the footpath in order to cater more accurately for the weaving path taken by regulars on wending their way home.

Unfortunately, he and his partner moved west of Watling Street and, whilst their new establishment in Cold Higham can be reached by brisk walk in under an hour (15 minutes when sober), relationships across the East-West divide are somewhat strained and a dim view is taken of Astcote residents known to associate with such outsiders by some stern-faced Village Controllers.

Moves to twin the two villages are afoot, however, and some thawing in relations, mainly due to the success of Paddock Parties and alcohol, may make a difference.

Should you happen to be in the vicinity, though, a knock on the door of the old shoe factory in the grounds of Primrose Cottage may well bring you some appropriate refreshment being supplied.

And cheers to you,

Andrew