Saturday 13 September 2008

Day Forty-Two - Going, going...

Northampton

0 miles, 0 locks

After a morning spent filling in application forms, James and I went with Jim for an exploratory walk, to see where the nearest waterpoint was and check out the state of the river. We resolved to make some progess on Sunday, so that when the river opened we'd be in pole position and so that we could fill and empty the relelant tanks before setting off. We wandered back though the town and past the Malt Sovel pub, which has a very good reputation, according to CAMRA, and decided to check it out later on.

On the way back, James and I discovered a ladder in some bushes by the towpath. We pulled it out, and found it to be in quite good condition. James sawed off the broken bit and we now have a very useful gangplank for if we have to moor in a daifficult place on the Nene!



As we'd planned, James and I met Jim in the Malt Shovel at about 8. It was extremely good. Jim was happy with London Pride, James with some 9% Somerset Scrumpy, and me with some delicious draught Belgian fruit beers. It really is excellent and we all recommed it heartily - 15 real ales, 4 ciders and an great atmosphere. Its also not far from the moorings above Lock 17, so easily accessible for boaters!

3 comments:

  1. James

    You'd better not tell Jim that we both know the production manager of Fullers Brewery, the home of London Pride, and whose son is another James ....

    15 real ales and cider, we ought to pay a visit before you head off down the Nene !!
    Dad

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  2. Cor, do you? I was delighted to learn last week that Greene King (boo hiss) have sold the Lewes Arms (epicentre of the famous GK boycott) to Fullers. Whisper it in Lewes, but I slightly prefer London Pride to Harveys...

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  3. Sarah, you've clearly not had the right Harveys beers then, go to the shop, they are extremely helpful and will find a beer to suit every taste. Best not to mention that in Lewes or the surrounding area. GK seem to be seling alot of their pubs at the moment, are they suffering from poor beers and customer service?!?!

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