Some Harvey's Old, at last!

After my frustration, earlier this month, in searching for Harvey's Old, I was finally able to track some down this afternoon, thanks to a random notification on the West Kent CAMRA WhatsApp forum. Talk about the answer to a beer enthusiast’s prayer, it was as though the forum knew I was looking for this particular beer. The source mentioned that this fine, seasonal dark ale, had been spotted at the Nelson Arms, in Tonbridge, and, to coin a phrase, was drinking well.

This was contrary to what was showing on the normally reliable, Real Finder app that I’ve been using over the past few months. I had noticed that the Nelson’s listings hadn't been refreshed in weeks, so perhaps the pub has stopped using the app or had just forgotten to update its entry. To make sure, I checked the beer listings on the Nelson’s website, and these confirmed that Harvey's Old was indeed available, at the pub.

So, after taking care of a few chores along with some other mundane, household activities, I found a genuine excuse to go out. We were running low on milk, and I knew the milkman wouldn't be coming until the day after tomorrow. Mrs. PBT’s seemed genuinely surprised at the milk shortage, to the point of accusing me of tipping some away, just so I could go out and get some more! I was surprised too, but putting subterfuge to one side, the lack of the “white stuff” as football pundit, Ian Wright used to call it, was the perfect opportunity not only to pick up some more, but also to stop by at the Nelson Arms and enjoy a pint of Old.

Off I went, and enjoyed a pleasant stroll into town. The mid-autumn sunshine was just what was needed, after several days of gloomy and overcast skies, and despite a slight chill in the air, it was a fine mid autumn afternoon. Sunshine really does wonders for lifting one's spirits, and I had a real spring in my step as I headed down into the centre of Tonbridge. I stopped at Sainsbury’s to pick up a two-pint container of milk, along with some toiletries I needed, before crossing the High Street towards the sports ground—often called Tonbridge Park, these days, rather than its correct name of the Racecourse. 

From there, it wasn’t far to the Nelson, and I stepped inside, a little after half past two. Upon entering, I was surprised to find the pub nowhere as busy as I expected, apart from a couple of recent arrivals, just ahead of me in the queue. They were taking their time, deciding which beers they were after. I felt like stepping forward and stating, “I know exactly what I want: a pint of Harvey’s Old, dark, mysterious, and tasty, a beer which I’ve been craving ever since it vanished for the season, back in March!” I didn’t of course, and politely waited my turn, and before long, the friendly and ebullient barmaid was pulling  my pint.

I stood at the bar, raising the glass to my lips, savouring those first tentative mouthfuls of beer. It was almost black in colour, with a loose ivory coloured head on top, pure nectar in a glass. I didn’t note the price, because I paid by card, and after communicating my satisfaction regarding the beer, to all those in earshot, made my way to a nearby table, in sight of the bar. It was a pint to savour, but the thing puzzling me was how unexpectedly quiet the pub was. Checking the Nelson’s website, I noticed that Sunday’s food offering is roast dinners only, served between 12 & 3.30pm. I was there a around 2.40pm and saw few signs of anyone eating.

A mystery, although there’s probably a logical explanation. As far as I was concerned, the fact that the Nelson was serving Harvey’s Old, was sufficient for me, and I’m banking on enjoying many more pints of this classic old ale, before the long autumn-winter season is over.