tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post3708856810340434870..comments2024-03-28T12:16:58.318+00:00Comments on Paul's Beer & Travel Blog: A perfect English summer's dayPaul Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09678639237696546268noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-270534787294881512017-09-01T08:59:26.731+01:002017-09-01T08:59:26.731+01:00Glad you all enjoyed the post, and thank-you for y...Glad you all enjoyed the post, and thank-you for your kind comments. It’s especially good to hear from people half-way across the world, so cheers and much appreciated, Russ. <br /><br />Martin and Stanley, we are lucky in this corner of the country (and I include our neighbouring counties of Surrey and Sussex here), to have some first class pubs, despite the encroachment of London and the associated effects caused by being regarded as prime commuter territory.<br /><br />As my article about re-opened pubs demonstrated, the price of survival for some pubs has been gentrification and courting the restaurant trade; but none of the pubs I mentioned would turn walkers or the casual drinker away, and it is nice to know you can still get a decent drop of ale in these places. Also there are still “unspoilt” pubs, such as the Rifleman, where beer plays more of a role.<br /><br /> Sadly we lost the Golding Hop, just outside Plaxtol last year, following the retirement of long-serving licensees Eddie and Sylvia. The closure of this unspoilt, rustic gem, which was in one of the most picturesque setting imaginable, demonstrates the need to be vigilant to the threats facing our pubs, and serves as a timely reminder to “use them or lose them”.<br /><br />The odd sighting of a Spitfire is not uncommon in this part of Kent, especially during the summer months (prime time for air shows?). A couple of weekends ago, I was nearly knocked off my bike after being startled by a low-level fly-past from the Red Arrows. As can be imagined, they made quite a noise! <br /><br />Paul Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09678639237696546268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-33128580676315708522017-09-01T08:47:55.645+01:002017-09-01T08:47:55.645+01:00Sounds like a great day. The Kentish Rifleman doe...Sounds like a great day. The Kentish Rifleman does a nice selection of beers and has a homely atmosphere. There are some nice views towards the Greensand Ridge and The Weald. <br />I hear that the Golding Hop is now a tea room since Eddie and Sonia retired.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-72083848814602027492017-09-01T06:24:17.706+01:002017-09-01T06:24:17.706+01:00Paul - you're post brought back happy memories...Paul - you're post brought back happy memories of an equally glorious summer's day walking a couple of years ago which also encompassed the Rifleman.It's a cracking pub and we sat on those same benches supping Harvey's and dodging wasps. <br />Kent on a hot summer day is quintessentially old England and our day was made when a vintage Spitfire flew overhead.<br />Thanks for the write-up.Stanley Blenkinsopnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-9234876003186392992017-08-31T23:44:49.820+01:002017-08-31T23:44:49.820+01:00I agree with Russ. You really sell Kent to me, ev...I agree with Russ. You really sell Kent to me, even if my in-laws live there (am joking, honest). Great photos, and some top pubs either side of Tonbridge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722137562852954269.post-70942271641605478822017-08-31T23:05:46.963+01:002017-08-31T23:05:46.963+01:00"I can think of few better ways of spending s..."I can think of few better ways of spending such a fine English summer’s day, as a walk in the idyllic Kent countryside, followed by a few pints with friends at two equally idyllic pubs."<br /><br />Agreed. Nice writeup Paul. <br /><br />And, while Martin may be prone to write about "quirky stuff and the details of towns and villages", some of your posts aren't too bad either. :)<br /><br />Cheers, from across the sea.<br /><br />Russ(tovich)Russtovichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11493687426847380993noreply@blogger.com