Still firmly Anchored in Sevenoaks

 

On Thursday evening, for the first time in a long while. I participated in a meeting of my local CAMRA branch. Despite no longer being a member, I still keep in touch with events at a local level, so It wasn’t as if I had been actively avoiding the branch. Instead, finding an evening where I did not have work the following morning, and where son Matthew would be home sufficiently early from his job, to enable us to have dinner at a reasonable hour, often proves a challenge, especially prior to heading out to an evening meeting venue. In short, I don’t like rushing!

The meeting took place at the Anchor in Sevenoaks, located a short distance from the town’s marketplace, and was an opportunity for West Kent CAMRA to present legendary Sevenoaks licensee, Barry Dennis with a well-deserved award for best pub in Sevenoaks. Barry, and his business partner Phil Wheeler, have managed this traditional town local, for the past 46 years and during that time the Anchor has become something of institution within Sevenoaks. The pub has achieved numerous awards, and the latest falls under one of the categories determined by the local CAMRA branch.

The awards appear to be part of a growing trend, within CAMRA
which, if it continues, could perhaps see presentations or awards for various niche categories - pub with the most attractive wallpaper, anyone? None of this though, diminishes Barry's achievements at the Anchor, such as his longevity as licensees, and his exemplary skills and performance as host behind the bar. He is certainly a larger-than-life character and a real showman as well, conducting himself more like a “Master of Ceremonies”. He never seems to stand still, and there is always something “going on” at the Anchor.

A text reminder was sent out to CAMRA members, and supporters, a few days in advance of the presentation, suggesting that individuals traveling from Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells might prefer taking the bus rather than the train. This recommendation was made due to the substantial uphill walk to the Anchor, from Sevenoaks station, meaning those who opted for the bus could conveniently disembark at the bus station, which is just a short distance from the Anchor.  

This was fine, so long as the buses ran to time, but following a 15-minute wait for the last 402 service of the evening, I was on the verge of swapping on to the rails, when the bus finally turned up. I climbed to the top deck and enjoyed the view, as the journey took us north through Hildenborough and then up the steep incline of River Hill into Sevenoaks itself. One friend, who had opted for an earlier bus, gave up after 40 minutes, and took the train instead, whilst his travelling companion returned home. None of this is good publicity for Arriva, the bus company concerned.

Despite a relatively low turnout, which might in part have been due to factors, such as buses not playing ball and other delays caused by the inimitable roadworks - scheduling the work for school holiday periods, almost certainly played a part here, it was a good evening. My appearance surprised a few familiar faces, but not to the extent of "you're still alive, then?" As previously mentioned, circumstances such as conflicting dates or inconvenient timings have prevented me from attending in the past. Despite this it was quite gratifying reconnecting with friend and acquaintances who I hadn’t seen for a considerable period, probably since before Christmas!

When I arrived at the Anchor, there was a quite diverse crowd present, and this was aside from the CAMRA contingent. Barry has a knack for attracting people from various walks of life and making them feel welcome, for instance, he manages to attract custom from the traveling players, performing at the nearby Stag Theatre. Additionally, he organizes various activities, including a meat raffle, poker evenings (with no money changing hands), open mic nights, quizzes, and much more, to his unashamedly old-fashioned, but very welcoming local.

Last Thursday, the CAMRA crowd was able to choose from three different cask ales, including the “must stock” Harvey’s Best, alongside two offerings from Thanet breweries, in the form of Seasider from the long-established Gadd’s, plus a beer from nearby Wantsum, whose Anchor Imperial Ale is brewed specially for Barry’s pub, as implied by the pump clip. If I’m honest, I’ve never really taken to Wantsum Ales, despite the obvious, strapline appeal of the brewery’s name, but this darkish bitter was eminently drinkable, as was the Gadd’s offering. Again, there are other beers I prefer from this Ramsgate Brewery – No. 3 plus No.5, but this 4.3% amber ale was still very pleasant.

Before the presentation of the certificate, plus the obvious photo opportunity, made by Tony, the West Kent chairman, Barry brought out some plates of sandwiches, although having not long had a substantial dinner, I managed to resist temptation. I spent the rest of the evening catching up on what had been occurring recently, both within CAMRA – quite a lot of dissent over reorganisation plans for both branches and regions, plus what various friends and acquaintances had been up to – far more interesting!

The three of us travelling back towards Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, left the Anchor just after 11pm, glad that the walk back to the station was all downhill. Unlike my two companions, I needed to buy a ticket, and whilst there was still time (just), I almost missed the train due to the tidal wave of commuters, streaming their way up both the up and the down staircases from the platform. The herd instinct is obviously still alive and kicking! It is an uphill walk to Bailey Towers, back from the station, but it’s something I’m used to after 40 years or so of living in Tonbridge. I was still glad of my bed though, when I finally reached home.