13/06/01 Earl Soham Vic
Apologies were received from everyone except NaTCH, Las, Spadge, Hugh (who seemed to have made it by default rather than by design), Malcolm, David ("the Post"), and John B (eventually). Like all "Home" games, it was bound to be a winner. The reasons for these Lunches has never been clear to me - it's enough to send any young brewer reaching for his auxiliary finings - however, once again staff at the Vic excelled themselves and the Vic - that real throat opener - well, what can I say? You lucky people!
Being just after the General Election, absolutely no politics was mentioned but conversation included my watch that really doesn't have a date facility on it - despite written instructions to the contrary. (Last visit 12/07/00)
09/05/01 Marlesford Bell
The pub has changed hands since our last visit. Bridget, our first lady luncher, wasn't feeling too well so charmingly the new landlord entertained her with conjuring! The bar has been decorated with various military memorabilia and a barn at the rear turned into a museum. Adnams, Greene King IPA, and Bridget's presence gave us the courage to sing "Happy Birthday" to new chum Las. Very pleasant. AfAR from Andy (too busy), John FH (not feeling well), and Station Tone sent a discussion document for the next lunch. (Last visit 10/05/00)
11/04/01 Glemham Crown (that's Great Glemham)
An atypically sunny day for our first Anniversary! John B, Malcolm, NaTCH, Spadge and Andy enjoyed well presented food, Greene King IPA (Speckled Hen also on offer), and pleasant staff. The car park was full at 1pm and the other customers were a more mixed bunch than the last time we visited. An awful lot of the conversation was inexplicably about watches. Pressure of business meant that Malcolm had to leave without a pudding. AfAR from Hugh (skiing) and John FH (too far, too busy). Birthday greetings received from Clive and Richard. (Last visit 12/04/00)
14/03/01 Bedfield Crown
The Bedfield Crown is thatched, a little hard to find (NaTCH drove past it twice) and has a pleasant, slightly shambolic air. Ruddles County was generally consumed and enjoyed along with a pleasant meal. A customer pressed into service as a temporary barman advised us that in 1962 Accrington Stanley resigned from the Football League due to bankruptcy. What more could you ask for? Apologies for absence received from Hugh, and Spadge (in Japan).
14/02/01 Charsfield Horseshoes
A nice sunny day for attendees Andy and NaTCH. Excellent and generous food. The Speckled Hen was a bit disappointing and the coffee gutless but the Low House bitter was fine. Conversation included "Why is Town's new PA costing a quarter of a million?" and Andy's discovery as a nipper that in Belfast fish and chips is served with fruit - ie a slice of lemon! Apologies for absence received from Hugh (he now has offices in Ipswich and is going to find it difficult to attend future lunches), Spadge (entertaining overseas customer) and John FH (unwell).
10/01/01 Worlingworth Swan
Yet another ominous start to a lunch with apologies received from Hugh and Spadge (pressure of work), new chum Mark, and Andy (Worlingworth too far) but NaTCH was readily included in the conversation at the bar of the Worlingworth Swan and, a little late, the attendees were John B, John FH and Malcolm. The Swan is very pleasant: Adnams from the wood at £1.70 a pint, open fire, sensible menu (including liver and bacon) and the food is served hot, AND a water jug on the bar! Conversation included "Are the lyrics to 'Jailhouse Rock' about a homosexual relationship" and "If you know the secret address can you find pics of John FH's shed on the web?".
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