A few bits and pieces, followed by a pint in the Star

It's been quite a hectic week at least by my standards, whatever they're measured against these days, where I accomplished quite a lot both on the home front, and the work front. It seems that the never-ending heat wave is exactly what it says, “Never ending,” and last Sunday weather wise was pretty much the same as it is today another, Sunday, and one where the sun is beating down making the heat it's just too intense to do much in the way of outdoor activities. Furthermore, with a lawn that consists of nothing but scorched grass, there is precious little to do on that score, anyway.

The previous Sunday, I had to drive over to Tunbridge Wells's North Farm estate, which although originally an industrial area, is now much more of a trading estate. I picked up a pair of new shorts from George at Asda, before driving along to Screwfix, a store Where I am spending more time that I would wish. I purchased the drill bit I needed for the fencing repairs I’ve been working on, but after finishing my shopping, I decided that a pint was in order – it was a sweltering day, after all!

I took the long way home and made a detour out into the parched looking, Kent countryside, heading out along the invariably busy A21, before turning off towards Matfield. This attractive village has one of the largest village greens I know of in Kent, as well as being one of the most attractive as well. 

I was aiming for the Star, at the far end of the green, but on the way, I passed the sadly closed Wheelwrights Arms, an establishment that hasn’t traded for many a long year. Once a particularly good free house, the Wheelwrights seemed to go downhill once Shepherd Neame took control of the place. I’d have to look back to check when exactly it closed, but this former excellent free house is sadly no more, and even the exterior has been altered out of all recognition. The Wheelwrights is now a private residence, having pulled its last pints, a decade or more ago.

Fortunately, the same fate hasn’t befallen the Star, a large, and attractive red-brick property at the other end of the green. I made an abortive visit earlier in the year, when I was unable to find space in the car park, but there were no such problems this time around. With several empty spaces, I was beginning to wonder whether the heat had kept people indoors. If it had their loss was my gain, and after strolling into the pub I was greeted by a handful of people occupying sections of all three rooms, including the designated dining area. I ordered myself a pint of Harvey’s Best, (Tonbridge plus an offering from Gun Brewery, were the other beers available), before making my way outside, to the small and secluded courtyard garden, at the side of the pub. Despite its proximity to the main road, this was a quiet and peaceful area, with sunshine and shade available in equal quantities. In other words, it was the perfect space to sit in and enjoy a pint.

In spite of the high temperatures, the Sussex Best was in good form, and the packet of Piper’s crisps, the perfect accompaniment.  I sat there for around 20 minutes, enjoying my pint, whilst indulging in a spot of people watching, before picking up my empty glass and returning it, like a good boy, to the girl behind the bar. I returned to the car, and drove back to sunny Tunny (Tonbridge), after turning off the B2160 at the bottom of Gedges’ Hill, opposite Mascall’s school. 

I almost forgot to mention that on my way out of Matfield, I drove past the Poet, which is the village’s other pub. Older readers will probably remember the pub by its original name of Standings Cross. I didn't go in this time, although I've visited the pub on a number of previous occasions. It’s pleasant enough, despite bordering on being more of a gastro establishment, than an actual pub. At least it remains open, and probably doing OK, judging by the number of cars parked outside, as I drove by.  

There were more adventures to come over the following weekend, when I took the train down to the West Country, in order to visit the town of Frome. You can read all about that trip, next time, along with details of the “interesting” journey I had, in order to get there.