First Sunday in April

Judging by recent reports, last week’s Tonbridge Beer Weekend appears to have been a success, with all seven outlets experiencing additional footfall, and of course extra sales. I found evidence of this when I called in at the Beer Seller in Tonbridge, late on Sunday afternoon, having just returned from an invigorating and most enjoyable hike along a section of the North Downs Way. What I wanted more than anything at that moment, was a nice cool and refreshing glass of beer.

Son Matthew had kindly offered to pick me up from the station, so I suggested us meeting at the Beer Seller – the nearest of the seven pubs participating in the Tonbridge Beer Weekend. I met him outside the pub, after he had parked the car, and we entered the pub full of anticipation.

There was a fair sprinkling of customers in the bar but judging by the lack of beer signs above the taps on the back wall, behind the bar, it was obvious there had been a run on the beer. So, good for the pub, but not so good for a thirsty drinker with a craving for a pint of Goucher’s Gold Star.

“Sold out, I’m afraid,” was the grim news from the girl behind the bar, “Tonbridge Beer Weekend, has been taking place, and we’ve been rushed off our feet.” Disappointed, but not entirely surprised, I inquired about the O.W.L. beers I noticed on sale. Apparently, they are a new brewery based in Uckfield, with the letters standing for "Only With Love." After glancing at the few remaining beers, I decided that O.W.L. Wingding Transatlantic Pale Ale would fit the bill.

The beer might have been Transatlantic and Pale, but little did I realise it was a keg, rather than a cask beer. No matter, such was my thirst that anything wet and cool would have done the trick. According to the brewery, the beer is “A pioneering piece of crossover magic that spans the big pond. We've smashed together the best of US and British hops to create a banging gooseberry and spice hazy pale that flies oh so right. Hops: Citra, Magnum and Goldings.”

I posted the following entry on “Untappd,” whilst in the pub. “Interesting. Very hazy looks like a milkshake but hits the spot after a seven-mile hike,” which summed up the beer quite nicely. Matthew though, was far more reserved with his choice of a lager from Gun Brewery.  We only had the one, but it was a nice, calm, and relaxed session, but then it had been a nice relaxing day’s walking on the North Downs as well.  If I’m honest, it was one of the nicest stretches of this long-distance footpath to date, and that’s saying something, seeing as I’ve now walked the majority of the trail, with just two sections left to walk.

Ascending the steep chalk escarpment, and finding myself on top of local beauty spot, Colley Hill, was almost like a revelation, despite the traffic noise from the rather too close M25 motorway. Next came Reigate Hill, where the whole of Surrey seemed out and determined to enjoy itself. There were families plus attendant children and dogs, lapping up the mid-spring sunshine, and whilst there was still a chill in the air, it was really pleasant to be out in the fresh air, walking across the springy turf.

With far-flung views south across the Weald to Ashdown Forest, and even beyond, to the South Downs, silhouetted against the far horizon, it felt like being on top of the world. After a welcome “comfort” stop at the café and picnic area overlooking Reigate, far below, I began the long and slow descent as the trail skirted around Gatton Park, towards Merstham and the train home.

Merstham station, with its friendly staff, quaint little waiting room and immaculately kept toilets, is worthy of a special mention, and is a place I remember as the start of a previous walk, last autumn. Unfortunately, with just one train an hour, there wasn’t time to call in at the nearby Feathers pub, although the interior certainly looked inviting as I walked by, which brings us nicely back to Tonbridge and the Beer Seller.