Rumination & Consideration

We had a great weekend in the village although we didn't get there until Saturday morning. I went straight to the pub and planted myself behind the bar. I wasn't surprised that it was very quiet inasmuch as the main holiday season is over and the locals need tempting back, but I had hoped for a few more than the six people I served between twelve and two! I told Arnie, the current landlord to leave me to my own devices. He normally closes during the afternoon, but I hope to stay open when I am finally in charge. Anyway I was not deterred by the lack of custom and hoped that the OPEN sign on the door would encourage a few hardy souls to see what was happening in the Providence. For two hours the place was dead, I read the local paper, had a coffee, read some more of the local paper, and had another coffee.... At four o'clock the door opened, a group of red cheeked walkers wandered in, in search of food! I had to explain that the kitchen would not be functioning until December, but I had a good selection of ale (well two brands anyway!) At first I thought they might turn tail and go elsewhere. My salvation came in the form of the roaring log fire in the corner that drew them in. They enjoyed a couple of drinks by the fire and then set off on the return leg of their walk with a parting promise to return in the New Year when I am serving food. No sooner had they left than another party entered the pub, four adults and four kids. Crisps were the food de jour and both sets of parents enjoyed a varied selection of alcoholic refreshments. They were interested to hear of my plans and like their predecessors, they promised to return when I become the landlord. I felt vindicated in my decision to stay open and I hope once I am able to provide food this will add to the attraction of the pub for walkers, bird watchers and of course the local community.


One of the things mentioned to me over the weekend was a concern by certain locals regarding the choice of beer available at the pub. It currently sells two brands of beer; Dartmoor IPA, made by the Princetown Brewery and Spitfire, from Shepherd Neame. When I first decided to take on the pub I was pleased that I would be selling at least one local brand, but I am not convinced the current selection are the correct products for me. I am thinking of selling another local brew, but I will need to sound out village opinion. I would also like to add Greene King IPA to the bar, whilst being a nation brand I think when served correctly this is a popular choice. The lagers sold are Carlsberg and Grolsch; again I am not convinced these are the best ones to have. I will also be changing from Murphy’s stout to Guinness.


I had meetings with the team that will be running the kitchen and I loved the enthusiasm and passion for food that they show. My mouth was watering at the sound of the menus they are putting together and I insisted that we arrange a tasting prior to starting, purely for my benefit of course!


The kids had a lovely weekend; I think that we managed to catch most of the crabs in the English Channel! On Sunday we were at Torcross beach and I stood at the water’s edge with Max skimming stones. Another Dad was there with his daughter doing the same thing - competition is a terrible thing, we were meant to be entertaining our kids when in fact a clash of the titans was taking place (well, two forty something sad characters) both of us sneaking glances at the skimming attempts made by the other. I don't think boys ever really grow up, we just hide it well. On Monday morning Helen made up a picnic and we all went to Lannacombe beach. This is a beautiful little bay that is actually on private land, but the landowners allow access and it is so lovely there. The rocky outcroppings make for great rock pools and as we all know a rock pool for a child is a place of adventure, Pirate treasure may be hidden there ready to be found by a four year old at any moment. Being a small enclosed bay adds to the charm. We were the only ones there and it felt as if it was our own private beach, there just for our enjoyment. The sound of the waves crashing in mixed with cry of seagulls and the laughter of our kids is a sound I could listen to all day.

Again I have been thinking about being on my own each week without Helen and the children and whilst I know it is for all the right reasons I also know I will miss them desperately.

I am going to ring the solicitors later today and try to move things on regarding the lease documents. It's November 1st tomorrow and things are moving quicker now. We are back in the village at the weekend and hopefully I'll have more information available regarding our plans then.